Rep. Patrick T. McHenry (R-N.C.) was named acting House speaker Tuesday after Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), in a historic first, was ousted from the role in a 216-210 vote that saw hard-right Republicans joined by Democrats to expel him.
McHenry will serve until a leader to replace McCarthy is chosen. McCarthy had designated McHenry as a potential successor, according to House rules that require the speaker to make a secret list of representatives that could act as speaker pro tempore, or temporary speaker, in case of a vacancy.
