- Details
- By Native News Online Staff
After four chaotic days, Republicans elected Kevin McCarthy (CA) during a early Saturday morning session to become Speaker of the House of Representatives on the 15th vote. He becomes the 55th Speaker of the House. He succeeds Nancy Pelosi (CA), who is the only female to ever hold the speaker's position in American hisotry.
McCarthy serves California’s 23rd district in the U.S. House of Representatives. He was first elected to Congress in 2006 and is a native of Bakersfield, California.The grandson of a cattle rancher and the son of a firefighter, McCarthy grew up a working-class family.
At 12:50 a.m., President Joe Biden released a statement congratulating McCarthy. The President's statement said in part: "The American people expect their leaders to govern in a way that puts their needs above all else, and that is what we need to do now.
As I said after the midterms, I am prepared to work with Republicans when I can and voters made clear that they expect Republicans to be prepared to work with me as well. Now that the leadership of the House of Representatives has been decided it is time for that process to begin."
Throughout the 15 votes, all 212 Democrats voted unanimously to back House Minority Leader Hakeem Jefferies for each vote, except the 12th vote on Friday when Rep. David Trone (D-MD) did not vote because he was a previously schuduled surgery.
The Native Americans that will serve in the 118th Congress voted down party lines. Republicans Josh Brecheen (Choctaw), from Oklahoma's 2nd congressional district; Tom Cole (Chickasaw) from Oklahoma's 4th congressional district voted for McCarthy on the 15th vote.
Democrats Sharice Davids (Ho-Chunk), from Kansas'3rd congressional district, and Mary Sattler Peltola (Yup'ik) , who represents Alaska's at-large congressional district voted for Jeffries on all 15 votes.
More Stories Like This
Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. BriefsNative News Weekly (August 4, 2024): D.C. Briefs
Federal Government Shutdown Averted: How Native Americans in Congress Voted
CALL TO ACTION: The Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies Act Needs Immediate Action
Q&A with Outgoing Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland
Can we take a minute to talk about tribal sovereignty?
Sovereignty isn't just a concept – it's the foundation of Native nations' right to govern, protect our lands, and preserve our cultures. Every story we publish strengthens tribal sovereignty.
Unlike mainstream media, we center Indigenous voices and report directly from Native communities. When we cover land rights, water protection, or tribal governance, we're not just sharing news – we're documenting our living history and defending our future.
Our journalism is powered by readers, not shareholders. If you believe in the importance of Native-led media in protecting tribal sovereignty, consider supporting our work today.
Right now, your support goes twice as far. Thanks to a generous $35,000 matching fund, every dollar you give during December 2024 will be doubled to protect sovereignty and amplify Native voices.
No paywalls. No corporate owners. Just independent, Indigenous journalism.
