New Congress live updates: What's next after Kevin McCarthy's speakership win

Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., sealed McCarthy's fate on Friday as he voted "present" in the 14th round, leaving the California congressman one vote short of winning the gavel.

Gaetz missed the first roll call, making him one of the final members to vote.

Gaetz has led the opposition to McCarthy's bid these past few days, nominating GOP alternatives such as Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio or even former President Donald Trump.

"This has never been about me or Kevin McCarthy. It's about the American people," Gaetz tweeted before his vote. "America wants to know that the rules of the House of Reps would never allow something like this horrendous omnibus bill to ever pass ever again."

McCarthy fell just one vote shy of winning the speakership in a late-night vote on Friday.

The GOP leader received 216 votes. He needed 217 to have a majority of the 432 votes cast.

None of the six remaining holdouts flipped to McCarthy. Rep. Matt Gaetz and Rep Lauren Boebert -- two of his Republican defectors -- voted "present." Two of his opponents voted for Rep. Jim Jordan and two voted for Rep. Andy Biggs.

Rep.-elect Pete Aguilar, D-Calif., criticized his colleagues on the other side of the aisle over the Jan. 6 attack as he nominated Rep. Hakeem Jeffries for speaker.

"If we are forced to be here this evening, because of the chaos and crisis on the other side, it’s only fair to point out Madam Clerk that the same individuals who fanned the flames of Jan. 6, who told their followers and their followers followers that they needed to fight back and who challenged the swearing-in of members based on a bogus claim of fake electors may well be in charge of the People's House if they can ever agree on who could lead them."

Aguilar's remarks drew dissent from Republicans.

"That's why House Democrats stand united behind Hakeem Jeffries. Hakeem Jeffries is the only candidate in this race for speaker who will defend democracy," Aguilar said.

Voting is now underway.

Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., nominated McCarthy for speaker, prompting sustained applause from the Republican caucus.

"I want to start by thanking the men and women who make this House run," McHenry said. "From the janitorial staff, to the parliamentarians, to the doorkeepers, to the sergeant at arms, to the Capitol Police officers, to the men and women who make this institution run, thank you."

The remarks received a standing ovation from both sides of the aisle.

McHenry went on to address the party's struggles in swiftly electing a speaker, stating, "We know it's messy but open and transparent debate sets us apart from authoritarian regimes."