A key Republican opponent of Rep. Kevin McCarthy’s bid for House speaker said late Monday the Californian remains “well short” of the 218 votes he needs.
Rep. Andy Biggs, Arizona Republican, made the prediction about 16 hours before the vote at midday Tuesday to open the new Congress under a slim GOP majority in the House.
“Even after the McCarthy Machine’s attempts to whip votes and smear my name for several weeks, McCarthy is still well short of the 218 threshold,” Mr. Biggs said on Twitter. “Our party still requires new leadership and I will continue to oppose McCarthy for House Speaker.