Kevin McCarthy Receives GOP Nomination for Next House Speaker; Mitch McConnell says independent voters were “scared” by some in the GOP update

UPDATED with additional details: With Republicans poised to control the US House of Representatives by a razor-thin margin, Kevin McCarthy fended off a leadership challenge when the GOP caucus overwhelmingly nominated him as its next speaker.

Fox News and other media reported that the vote in the closed caucus session was 188 votes for McCarthy and 31 votes for Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ), who announced a try earlier Tuesday.

But given the expected narrow majority the GOP will have in the House of Representatives, McCarthy must find a way to get at least 30 more votes to become the next speaker. That vote will take place in January when the new Congress is sworn in and convenes.

“We have our work to do,” McCarthy told reporters. “We [are going to have] a small majority. We have to listen to everybody in our conference.” He said, “Either we’re going to lead as a team or we’re going to lose as individuals, but I think in the end we’re going to lead as a team.”

Republicans are close to getting the 218 votes to control the House as votes continue to be counted in California and other western states. But the GOP majority will fall far short of expectations, as some forecasters predict a midterm breakout that would give the party a more than 20-seat advantage over Democrats.

The GOP also held Senate leadership elections this week, in which the party failed to regain control. Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL), who led the GOP campaign effort last cycle, has announced a challenge to Mitch McConnell for party leader.

“The status quo has been broken and a big change is needed,” Scott said in a statement. “It’s time for new Senate leadership that unites Republicans to advance a bold conservative agenda.”

He said in a letter to members: “We need to start saying what we are for, not just what we are against.”

McConnell told reporters after a Senate session: “I have the votes. I was elected. The only question is whether we do it sooner or later.” He said they will “probably have another discussion about it” on Wednesday when the vote is scheduled.

McConnell said the GOP is underperforming among independents and moderates because “their impression of many people in leadership positions in our party is that they are mired in chaos, negativity and outrageous attacks. And it scared independent and moderate voters.”