Speakers of the House: Elections, 1913-2025

Speakers of the House: Elections, 1913-2023
November 6, 2023
2025 Updated April 13, 2026 (RL30857) Jump to Main Text of Report

Contents

• Regular and Special Elections of the Speaker
• Size of the House and Majority Required to Elect
• Third and Additional Candidates

Tables

• Table 1. Votes Cast on Ballots Electing the Speaker, 1913-2025
• Table A-1. 1923 (68^th Congress)
• Table A-2. January 2023 (118^th Congress)
• Table A-3. October 2023 (118^th Congress)

Appendixes

• Appendix. Multi-Ballot Speaker Elections Since 1913

Summary

Each new House elects a Speaker by roll call vote when it first convenes. Customarily, Each new House elects a Speaker by roll call vote when it first convenes. Customarily,
the conference of each major party nominates a candidate whose name is placed in the conference of each major party nominates a candidate whose name is placed in
Valerie Heitshusen
nomination. A Member normally votes for the candidate of his or her own party nomination. A Member normally votes for the candidate of his or her own party
Specialist on Congress and
conference but may vote for any individual, whether nominated or not. To be elected, a conference but may vote for any individual, whether nominated or not. To be elected, a
the Legislative Process
candidate must receive an absolute majority of all the votes cast for individuals. This candidate must receive an absolute majority of all the votes cast for individuals. This

number may be less than a majority (now 218) of the full membership of the House number may be less than a majority (now 218) of the full membership of the House

because of vacancies, absentees, or Members answering because of vacancies, absentees, or Members answering “"present.present.”
" This report provides data on elections of the Speaker in each Congress since 1913, when the House first reached This report provides data on elections of the Speaker in each Congress since 1913, when the House first reached
its present size of 435 Members. During that period (its present size of 435 Members. During that period (63rd63^rd Congress through Congress through October of the first session of the
118ththe 119^th Congress), a Speaker was elected seven times with the votes of less than a majority of the full membership. Congress), a Speaker was elected seven times with the votes of less than a majority of the full membership.
If a Speaker dies or resigns during a Congress, the House immediately elects a new one. Five such elections If a Speaker dies or resigns during a Congress, the House immediately elects a new one. Five such elections
occurred since 1913. In the earlier two cases, the House elected the new Speaker by resolution; in the more recent occurred since 1913. In the earlier two cases, the House elected the new Speaker by resolution; in the more recent
three, the body used the same procedure as at the outset of a Congress. three, the body used the same procedure as at the outset of a Congress. DuringIn October of the first session of the the first session of the 118th
118^th Congress, the House elected a new Speaker after having declared the position vacant earlier in the month.Congress, the House elected a new Speaker after having declared the position vacant earlier in the month.
If no candidate receives the requisite majority, the roll call is repeated until a Speaker is elected. Since 1913, this If no candidate receives the requisite majority, the roll call is repeated until a Speaker is elected. Since 1913, this
procedure has been necessary only in 1923 and for the two elections in 2023. In 1923, nine ballots were required procedure has been necessary only in 1923 and for the two elections in 2023. In 1923, nine ballots were required
before a Speaker was elected; in 2023, 15 ballots were required for the initial election and four for the subsequent before a Speaker was elected; in 2023, 15 ballots were required for the initial election and four for the subsequent
election.election.
From 1913 through 1943, more often than not, some Members voted for candidates other than those of the two From 1913 through 1943, more often than not, some Members voted for candidates other than those of the two
major parties. The candidates in question were usually those representing the major parties. The candidates in question were usually those representing the “progressive”"progressive" group (reformers group (reformers
originally associated with the Republican Party), and in some Congresses, their names were formally placed in originally associated with the Republican Party), and in some Congresses, their names were formally placed in
nomination on behalf of that group. From 1945 through 1995, only the nominated Republican and Democratic nomination on behalf of that group. From 1945 through 1995, only the nominated Republican and Democratic
candidates received votes, reflecting the establishment of an exclusively two-party system at the national level.candidates received votes, reflecting the establishment of an exclusively two-party system at the national level.
In 13 In 14 of the of the 1617 elections since 1997, however, some Members have voted for candidates other than the official elections since 1997, however, some Members have voted for candidates other than the official
nominees of their parties. Only in the initial election in 2015 and the initial 2023 election, however, were any such nominees of their parties. Only in the initial election in 2015 and the initial 2023 election, however, were any such
candidates formally placed in nomination. Usually, the additional candidates receiving votes have been other candidates formally placed in nomination. Usually, the additional candidates receiving votes have been other
Members of the voterMembers of the voter’'s own party, but in one instance, in 2001, a Member voted for the official nominee of the s own party, but in one instance, in 2001, a Member voted for the official nominee of the
other party. In the 1997, 2013, 2015 (both instances), 2019, and 2021 elections, as well as on some ballots during other party. In the 1997, 2013, 2015 (both instances), 2019, and 2021 elections, as well as on some ballots during
both of the 2023 elections, votes were cast for candidates who were not then Members of the House, including, in both of the 2023 elections, votes were cast for candidates who were not then Members of the House, including, in
the initial 2015 election, the 2019 election, and the 2021 election, sitting Senators. Although the Constitution does the initial 2015 election, the 2019 election, and the 2021 election, sitting Senators. Although the Constitution does
not so require, the Speaker has always been a Member of the House.not so require, the Speaker has always been a Member of the House.

The report will be updated as additional elections for Speaker occur.

Regular and Special Elections of the Speaker¹

The report will be updated as additional elections for Speaker occur.

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Contents
Regular and Special Elections of the Speaker ................................................................................. 1
Size of the House and Majority Required to Elect .......................................................................... 1
Third and Additional Candidates ..................................................................................................... 3

Tables
Table 1. Votes Cast on Ballots Electing the Speaker, 1913-2023 .................................................... 5

Table A-1. 1923 (68th Congress) ..................................................................................................... 11
Table A-2. January 2023 (118th Congress) .................................................................................... 12
Table A-3. October 2023 (118th Congress) .................................................................................... 13

Appendixes
Appendix. Multi-Ballot Speaker Elections Since 1913 .................................................................. 11

Contacts
Author Information ........................................................................................................................ 14


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Regular and Special Elections of the Speaker1
The traditional practice of the House is to elect a Speaker by roll call vote upon first convening The traditional practice of the House is to elect a Speaker by roll call vote upon first convening
after a general election of Representatives.after a general election of Representatives.22 Customarily, the conference of each major party in Customarily, the conference of each major party in
the House selects a candidate whose name is formally placed in nomination before the roll call. A the House selects a candidate whose name is formally placed in nomination before the roll call. A
Member may vote for one of these nominated candidates or for another individual.Member may vote for one of these nominated candidates or for another individual.33 In the great In the great
majority of cases since 1913, Members vote for the candidate nominated by their own party majority of cases since 1913, Members vote for the candidate nominated by their own party
conferences, since the outcome of this vote in effect establishes which party has the majority and conferences, since the outcome of this vote in effect establishes which party has the majority and
therefore will organize the House.therefore will organize the House.
Table 1 presents data on the votes by which the Speaker of the House of Representatives was presents data on the votes by which the Speaker of the House of Representatives was
elected in each Congress from 1913 (elected in each Congress from 1913 (63rd63^rd Congress) through Congress) through October 2023 (118th2025 (119^th Congress). It Congress). It
shows the votes cast for the nominees of the two major parties, other candidates nominated from shows the votes cast for the nominees of the two major parties, other candidates nominated from
the floor, and individuals not formally nominated.the floor, and individuals not formally nominated.
Included in the table are not only the elections held regularly at the outset of each Congress but Included in the table are not only the elections held regularly at the outset of each Congress but
also those held during the course of a Congress as a result of a Speakeralso those held during the course of a Congress as a result of a Speaker’'s death or resignation or s death or resignation or
due to a declared vacancy in the position. Such elections have occurred six times during the due to a declared vacancy in the position. Such elections have occurred six times during the
period examined:period examined:
• in 1936 (in 1936 (74th74^th Congress) upon the death of Speaker Joseph Byrns; Congress) upon the death of Speaker Joseph Byrns;
• in 1940 (in 1940 (76th76^th Congress) upon the death of Speaker William Bankhead; Congress) upon the death of Speaker William Bankhead;
• in 1962 (in 1962 (87th87^th Congress) upon the death of Speaker Sam Rayburn; Congress) upon the death of Speaker Sam Rayburn;
• in 1989 (in 1989 (101st101^st Congress) upon the resignation of Speaker Jim Wright; Congress) upon the resignation of Speaker Jim Wright;
• in 2015 (in 2015 (114th114^th Congress) upon the resignation of Speaker John Boehner; and Congress) upon the resignation of Speaker John Boehner; and
• in 2023 (in 2023 (118th118^th Congress) after the House declared a vacancy in the speakership. Congress) after the House declared a vacancy in the speakership.
On the two earlier occasions among these six, the election was by resolution rather than by roll On the two earlier occasions among these six, the election was by resolution rather than by roll
call vote. On the more recent four, the same general procedure was followed as at the start of a call vote. On the more recent four, the same general procedure was followed as at the start of a
Congress.Congress.⁴4
Size of the House and Majority Required to Elect
The data presented here cover the period during which the permanent size of the House has been The data presented here cover the period during which the permanent size of the House has been
set at 435 Members. This period corresponds to that since the admission of Arizona and New set at 435 Members. This period corresponds to that since the admission of Arizona and New
Mexico as the Mexico as the 47th and 48th47^th and 48^th states in 1912. The actual size of the House was 436, and then 437, for states in 1912. The actual size of the House was 436, and then 437, for

1 For key House precedents and general discussion of Speaker election procedures, see Precedents of the U.S. House of
Representatives, 115th Cong., 1st sess., H.Doc. No. 115-62 (Washington, GPO, 2019) (hereinafter Precedents
(Wickham)), ch. 6, §1. The volume is available online, referred to as the 2017 series, on the GovInfo website of the
U.S. Government Publishing Office at https://www.govinfo.gov/collection/precedents-of-the-house.
2 Until the 1830s, the Speaker was elected by secret ballot. See Asher C. Hinds, Hinds’ Precedents of the House of
Representative of the United States, vol. I (Washington, DC: GPO, 1906), §§187, 204-211. Also see Jeffrey A. Jenkins
and Charles Stewart III, Fighting for the Speakership: The House and the Rise of Party Government (Princeton, NJ:
Princeton University Press, 2013).
3 Candidates may vote for themselves, although they have often declined to vote or voted “present.”
4 In the 1989 and 2015 cases, because the Speaker resigned effective upon the election of a successor, each presided
over the election of his replacement. See Precedents (Wickham), ch. 6, §1, p. 395 (note 29) and §1.2. In the 2023
replacement election triggered by a declared vacancy in the speakership, a Speaker pro tempore had assumed certain
authorities of the Speaker (pursuant to House Rule I, clause 8(b)(3)) and thus presided over the election of a new
Speaker. See Congressional Record, daily edition, vol. 169 (October 3, 2023), p. H4978.
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Speakers of the House: Elections, 1913-2023

a brief period between the admission of Alaska and Hawaii (in 1958 and 1959) and the a brief period between the admission of Alaska and Hawaii (in 1958 and 1959) and the
reapportionment of Representatives following the 1960 census.reapportionment of Representatives following the 1960 census.
By practice of the House going back to its earliest days, an absolute majority of the Members By practice of the House going back to its earliest days, an absolute majority of the Members
present and voting is required in order to elect a Speaker. A majority of the full membership of the present and voting is required in order to elect a Speaker. A majority of the full membership of the
House (218, in a House of 435) is not required. Precedents emphasize that the requirement is for a House (218, in a House of 435) is not required. Precedents emphasize that the requirement is for a
majority of majority of “"the total number of votes cast for a person by name.the total number of votes cast for a person by name.”5"⁵ A candidate for Speaker may A candidate for Speaker may
receive a majority of the votes cast, and be elected, while failing to obtain a majority of the full receive a majority of the votes cast, and be elected, while failing to obtain a majority of the full
membership because some Members either are not present to vote or instead answer membership because some Members either are not present to vote or instead answer “present”
"present" rather than voting for a candidate. During the period examined, this kind of result has occurred rather than voting for a candidate. During the period examined, this kind of result has occurred
seven times:seven times:
• in 1917 (in 1917 (65th65^th Congress), Congress), “Champ”"Champ" Clark was elected with 217 votes; Clark was elected with 217 votes;
• in 1923 (in 1923 (68th68^th Congress), Frederick Gillett was elected with 215 votes; Congress), Frederick Gillett was elected with 215 votes;
• in 1943 (in 1943 (78th78^th Congress), Sam Rayburn was elected with 217 votes; Congress), Sam Rayburn was elected with 217 votes;
• in 1997 (in 1997 (105th105^th Congress), Newt Gingrich was elected with 216 votes; Congress), Newt Gingrich was elected with 216 votes;
• in 2015 (in 2015 (114th114^th Congress), John Boehner was elected with 216 votes; Congress), John Boehner was elected with 216 votes;
• in 2021 (in 2021 (117th117^th Congress), Nancy Pelosi was elected with 216 votes; and Congress), Nancy Pelosi was elected with 216 votes; and
• in 2023 (in 2023 (118th118^th Congress), Kevin McCarthy was elected with 216 votes. Congress), Kevin McCarthy was elected with 216 votes.
In addition, in 1931 (In addition, in 1931 (72nd72^nd Congress), the candidate of the new Democratic majority, John Nance Congress), the candidate of the new Democratic majority, John Nance
Garner (later Vice President), received 218 votes, a bare majority of the membership. The Garner (later Vice President), received 218 votes, a bare majority of the membership. The
historical table below does not take into account the number of vacancies existing in the House at historical table below does not take into account the number of vacancies existing in the House at
the time of the election; it therefore cannot show whether any Speaker may have been elected the time of the election; it therefore cannot show whether any Speaker may have been elected
lacking a majority of the lacking a majority of the then qualified membership of the House. membership of the House.⁶ 6
If no candidate obtains the requisite majority, the roll call is repeated.If no candidate obtains the requisite majority, the roll call is repeated.77 On these subsequent On these subsequent
ballots, Members may still vote for any individual; no restrictions have ever been imposed, such ballots, Members may still vote for any individual; no restrictions have ever been imposed, such
as that the lowest candidate on each ballot must drop out, or that no new candidate may enter. as that the lowest candidate on each ballot must drop out, or that no new candidate may enter.
Because of the predominance of the two established national parties during the period examined, Because of the predominance of the two established national parties during the period examined,
on only three occasions in the period has the House failed to elect on the first roll call.on only three occasions in the period has the House failed to elect on the first roll call.88 In 1923 In 1923
(68th(68^th Congress), in a closely divided House, both major party nominees initially failed to gain a Congress), in a closely divided House, both major party nominees initially failed to gain a
majority because of votes cast for other candidates by Members from the Progressive Party or majority because of votes cast for other candidates by Members from the Progressive Party or
from the from the “progressive”"progressive" wing of the Republican Party. Many of these Members agreed to vote for wing of the Republican Party. Many of these Members agreed to vote for
the Republican candidate only on the ninth ballot, after the Republican leadership had agreed to the Republican candidate only on the ninth ballot, after the Republican leadership had agreed to
accept a number of procedural reforms these Members favored. Thus the Republican was accept a number of procedural reforms these Members favored. Thus the Republican was
ultimately elected, although (as noted earlier) still with less than a majority of the full ultimately elected, although (as noted earlier) still with less than a majority of the full

5 The Clerk, remarks from the chair (and parliamentary inquiry immediately following), Congressional Record, vol.
143, January 7, 1997, p. 117. See also Charles W. Johnson, John V. Sullivan, and Thomas J. Wickham Jr., House
Practice: A Guide to the Rules, Precedents, and Procedures of the House (Washington, DC: GPO, 2017), ch. 34, §3,
which states that “the Speaker is elected by a majority of Members-elect voting by surname, a quorum being present.”
See also Constitution, Jefferson’s Manual, and Rules of the House of Representatives, One Hundred Eighteenth
Congress, (compiled by) Jason A. Smith, Parliamentarian, 117th Cong., 2nd sess., H.Doc. 117-161 (Washington, GPO,
2023), §27.
6 The existence of vacancies at the point when a new House first convened was more common before the 20th
Amendment took effect in 1936. Until that time, a Congress elected in one November did not begin its term until
March of the following year, and did not convene until December of that year, unless the previous Congress provided
otherwise by law.
7 Precedents (Wickham), ch. 6, §1.
8 This occurrence, however, was more common before the period covered in this report, when the two-party system had
not become as thoroughly established nor the discipline accompanying it as pronounced.
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membership.9 At the start of the 118thmembership.⁹ At the start of the 118^th Congress (in 2023), the House was also closely divided, Congress (in 2023), the House was also closely divided,
and the nominee of the majority partyand the nominee of the majority party’'s conference did not receive sufficient votes to be elected s conference did not receive sufficient votes to be elected
due to some of the partydue to some of the party’'s members casting votes for other candidates. After 15 ballots over s members casting votes for other candidates. After 15 ballots over
several days, during which majority party Members engaged in negotiations over policy and several days, during which majority party Members engaged in negotiations over policy and
procedural differences, the majority partyprocedural differences, the majority party’'s nominated candidate was elected when multiple s nominated candidate was elected when multiple
Members voted Members voted “"present.present.”10"¹⁰ In October 2023, the House declared the office of the Speaker to be In October 2023, the House declared the office of the Speaker to be
vacant via adoption of H.Res. 757vacant via adoption of H.Res. 757.11.¹¹ Over subsequent weeks, the House took votes to choose a Over subsequent weeks, the House took votes to choose a
new Speaker, who was elected on the fourth ballot.new Speaker, who was elected on the fourth ballot.12
12 Third and Additional Candidates
In the first portion of the period covered In the first portion of the period covered by Table 1, it was common for candidates other than it was common for candidates other than
those of the two major parties to receive votes. Such action occurred in 11 of the 16 Congresses those of the two major parties to receive votes. Such action occurred in 11 of the 16 Congresses
(63rd-78th(63^rd-78^th) that convened from 1913 through 1943. On 7 of those 11 occasions, candidates other ) that convened from 1913 through 1943. On 7 of those 11 occasions, candidates other
than those of the two major parties were formally nominated. These events reflect chiefly the than those of the two major parties were formally nominated. These events reflect chiefly the
influence in Congress, during those three decades, of the progressive movement. The additional influence in Congress, during those three decades, of the progressive movement. The additional
nominations were offered in the name of that movement, and the votes cast for Members other nominations were offered in the name of that movement, and the votes cast for Members other
than the major party nominees also generally represent an expression of progressive sentiments.than the major party nominees also generally represent an expression of progressive sentiments.
During this period, the occurrence of additional nominations (displayed in the table) reflects During this period, the occurrence of additional nominations (displayed in the table) reflects
changing views of Members identifying themselves as changing views of Members identifying themselves as “progressives”"progressives" about whether to constitute about whether to constitute
themselves in the House as a separate Progressive Party caucus or as a wing of the Republican themselves in the House as a separate Progressive Party caucus or as a wing of the Republican
Party. Additional nominations in the period also reflect shifts in the party labels by which these Party. Additional nominations in the period also reflect shifts in the party labels by which these
nominees and others receiving votes chose to designate themselves. The last formal Progressive nominees and others receiving votes chose to designate themselves. The last formal Progressive
Party nominee appeared in 1937 (Party nominee appeared in 1937 (75th75^th Congress). After defeats in the following election, the only Congress). After defeats in the following election, the only
two remaining Members representing the Progressive Party were reduced to voting for each other two remaining Members representing the Progressive Party were reduced to voting for each other
for Speaker, and beginning in 1947 (for Speaker, and beginning in 1947 (80th80^th Congress), the last standard-bearer of the tendency Congress), the last standard-bearer of the tendency
accepted the Republican label. The demise of this movement in the House represented the final accepted the Republican label. The demise of this movement in the House represented the final
stage in the establishment of a two-party system at the national level.stage in the establishment of a two-party system at the national level.
From 1945 through 1995 (From 1945 through 1995 (79th-104th79^th-104^th Congresses), only the official nominees of the two major Congresses), only the official nominees of the two major
parties received votes for Speaker. This pattern, in other words, persisted from the end of World parties received votes for Speaker. This pattern, in other words, persisted from the end of World
War II and the advent of the War II and the advent of the “"modern Congressmodern Congress”13"¹³ until after the Republicans had regained the until after the Republicans had regained the
majority in the majority in the 104th104^th Congress (1995-1996) after four decades as the minority party. During this Congress (1995-1996) after four decades as the minority party. During this
period, the presumption became firmly established that a Memberperiod, the presumption became firmly established that a Member’'s vote for Speaker will reliably s vote for Speaker will reliably
reflect his or her party membership.reflect his or her party membership.
The opening of the The opening of the 105th105^th Congress in 1997, accordingly, marked the first time since 1943 that Congress in 1997, accordingly, marked the first time since 1943 that
anyone other than the two major party candidates received votes for Speaker. In anyone other than the two major party candidates received votes for Speaker. In 1214 of the of the 15
17 speakership elections since then (1997-speakership elections since then (1997-20232025), at least one Member has voted for a candidate other ), at least one Member has voted for a candidate other
than ones formally nominated by the major party conferences. Early in this period, votes cast for than ones formally nominated by the major party conferences. Early in this period, votes cast for
other candidates seem to have usually reflected specific circumstances and events, but in the most other candidates seem to have usually reflected specific circumstances and events, but in the most

9 See Table A-1 in Appendix for full results.
10 See Table A-2 in Appendix for full results.
11 The resolution was agreed to, 216-210. Upon adoption and pursuant to House Rule I, clause 8(b)(3), a Speaker pro
tempore (Rep. Patrick McHenry [NC]) assumed certain duties of the Speaker until a new one was elected. See
Congressional Record, daily edition, vol. 169 (October 3, 2023), p. H4978. See also Precedents (Wickham), ch. 6, §1,
pp. 395-396.
12 See Table A-3 in the Appendix for full results.
13 The “modern Congress” is usually reckoned from the implementation in the 80th Congress (1947-1948) of the
Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 (P.L. 79-601, 60 Stat. 812).
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recent instances, some of them may be regarded as reflecting action by identifiable political recent instances, some of them may be regarded as reflecting action by identifiable political
factions or groupings. During this period, only in the initial election of 2015 and in some of the factions or groupings. During this period, only in the initial election of 2015 and in some of the
ballots in the initial 2023 election have the names of any candidates other than those of the party ballots in the initial 2023 election have the names of any candidates other than those of the party
conferences been formally placed in nomination.conferences been formally placed in nomination.
The ballots in 1997, 2013, 2015 (both instances), 2019, and 2021 and both elections in 2023 (for The ballots in 1997, 2013, 2015 (both instances), 2019, and 2021 and both elections in 2023 (for
some ballots) were also notable because votes were cast for candidates who were not Members of some ballots) were also notable because votes were cast for candidates who were not Members of
the House at the time. In the initial election in 2015, two of the votes cast were for sitting the House at the time. In the initial election in 2015, two of the votes cast were for sitting
Members of the Senate; in 2019 and 2021, one such ballot was cast. In the initial 2023 election, Members of the Senate; in 2019 and 2021, one such ballot was cast. In the initial 2023 election,
votes were cast for a former President of the United States and a former Member of Congress. In votes were cast for a former President of the United States and a former Member of Congress. In
the October 2023 election, votes were cast for three former Members of Congress (including a the October 2023 election, votes were cast for three former Members of Congress (including a
former Speaker of the House). Although the Constitution does not require the Speaker (or any former Speaker of the House). Although the Constitution does not require the Speaker (or any
other officer of either chamber) to be a Member, the Speaker has always been so; it is not known other officer of either chamber) to be a Member, the Speaker has always been so; it is not known
that any votes for individuals other than Members to be Speaker had ever previously been cast in that any votes for individuals other than Members to be Speaker had ever previously been cast in
the history of the House.the history of the House.
Notably, in 2001, a Member who bore the designation of one major party voted for the nominee Notably, in 2001, a Member who bore the designation of one major party voted for the nominee
of the other. Although the table below does not indicate the party affiliation of the Members of the other. Although the table below does not indicate the party affiliation of the Members
voting for each candidate, examination of other available records confirms that no such action voting for each candidate, examination of other available records confirms that no such action
had occurred at least for the previous half century.had occurred at least for the previous half century.14

14 Subsequently, in organizing for that Congress (the 107th), the party caucus against whose nominee the Member voted
declined to provide him with committee assignments.
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14 Table 1. Votes Cast on Ballots Electing the Speaker, 1913-2023
Year
2025

Year

Republican Nominee
Votes

Democratic Nominee

Votes

Others Receiving Votes

Votes

1913

James R. Mann (IL)

111

James B. ("Champ") Clark (MO)

272

Victor Murdock (P-KS) Henry A. Cooper (R-WI) John M. Nelson (R-WI) 18 4 1

1915

James R. Mann (IL)

195

James B. ("Champ") Clark (MO)

222

1917

James R. Mann (IL)

205

James B. ("Champ") Clark (MO)

217

Irvine L. Lenroot (R-WI) Frederick H. Gillett (R-MA) 2 2

1919

Frederick H. Gillett (MA)

228

James B. ("Champ") Clark (MO)

172

1921

Frederick H. Gillett (MA)

297

Claude Kitchin (NC)

122

1923 (ballot #1)

Frederick H. Gillett (MA)

197

Finis J. Garrett (TN)

195

Henry A. Cooper (R-WI) Martin B. Madden (R-IL) 17 5

(ballot #9)

Frederick H. Gillett (MA)

215

Finis J. Garrett (TN)

197

Martin B. Madden (R-IL)

2

1925

Nicholas Longworth (OH)

229

Finis J. Garrett (TN)

173

Henry A. Cooper (R-WI)

13

1927

Nicholas Longworth (OH)

225

Finis J. Garrett (TN)

187

1929

Nicholas Longworth (OH)

254

John N. Garner (TX)

143

1931

Bertrand H. Snell (NY)

207

John N. Garner (TX)

218

George J. Schneider (R-WI)

5

1933

Bertrand H. Snell (NY)

110

Henry T. Rainey (IL)

302

Paul J. Kvale (F-L-MN)

5

1935

Bertrand H. Snell (NY)

95

Joseph W. Byrns (TN)

317

George J. Schneider (P-WI) W. P. Lambertson (R-KS) 9 2 1936 (June 4)^a William B. Bankhead (AL)(H.Res. 543)^b

voice vote

1937

Bertrand H. Snell (NY)

83

William B. Bankhead (AL)

324

George J. Schneider (P-WI) Fred L. Crawford (R-MI) 10 2

1939

Joseph W. Martin (MA)

168

William B. Bankhead (AL)

249

Merlin Hull (P-WI) Bernard J. Gehrmann (P-WI) 1 1 1940 (Sept. 16)^a Democratic Nominee
Votes
Others Receiving Votes
Votes
1913
James R. Mann (IL)
111
James B. (“Champ”) Clark (MO)
272
Victor Murdock (P-KS)
18
Henry A. Cooper (R-WI)
4
John M. Nelson (R-WI)
1
1915
James R. Mann (IL)
195
James B. (“Champ”) Clark (MO)
222


1917
James R. Mann (IL)
205
James B. (“Champ”) Clark (MO)
217
Irvine L. Lenroot (R-WI)
2
Frederick H. Gil ett (R-MA)
2
1919
Frederick H. Gillett (MA)
228
James B. (“Champ”) Clark (MO)
172


1921
Frederick H. Gillett (MA)
297
Claude Kitchin (NC)
122


1923 (ballot #1)
Frederick H. Gil ett (MA)
197
Finis J. Garrett (TN)
195
Henry A. Cooper (R-WI)
17
Martin B. Madden (R-IL)
5
(ballot #9)
Frederick H. Gillett (MA)
215
Finis J. Garrett (TN)
197
Martin B. Madden (R-IL)
2
1925
Nicholas Longworth (OH)
229
Finis J. Garrett (TN)
173
Henry A. Cooper (R-WI)
13
1927
Nicholas Longworth (OH)
225
Finis J. Garrett (TN)
187


1929
Nicholas Longworth (OH)
254
John N. Garner (TX)
143


1931
Bertrand H. Snell (NY)
207
John N. Garner (TX)
218
George J. Schneider (R-WI)
5
1933
Bertrand H. Snell (NY)
110
Henry T. Rainey (IL)
302
Paul J. Kvale (F-L-MN)
5
1935
Bertrand H. Snell (NY)
95
Joseph W. Byrns (TN)
317
George J. Schneider (P-WI)
9
W.P. Lambertson (R-KS)
2
1936 (June 4)a


William B. Bankhead (AL)
voice vote

(H.Res. 543)b
1937
Bertrand H. Snell (NY)
83
William B. Bankhead (AL)
324
George J. Schneider (P-WI)
10
Fred L. Crawford (R-MI)
2
1939
Joseph W. Martin (MA)
168
William B. Bankhead (AL)
249
Merlin Hul (P-WI)
1
Bernard J. Gehrmann (P-WI)
1
1940 (Sept. 16)a


Sam Rayburn (TX) (H.Res. 602)b
voice vote

CRS-5

---

link to page 13
Year
Republican Nominee
Votes
Democratic Nominee
Votes
Others Receiving Votes
Votes
1941
Sam Rayburn (TX) (H.Res. 602)^b

voice vote

1941

Joseph W. Martin (MA)Joseph W. Martin (MA)
159

159

Sam Rayburn (TX)(TX)
247
Merlin Hul (P-WI)
2

247

Merlin Hull (P-WI)Bernard J. Gehrmann (P-WI)Bernard J. Gehrmann (P-WI)
1
1943
2 1

1943

Joseph W. Martin (MA)

206

Sam Rayburn (TX)

217

Merlin Hull (P-WI) Joseph W. Martin (MA)
206
Sam Rayburn (TX)
217
Merlin Hul (P-WI)
1
Harry Sauthoff (P-WI)Harry Sauthoff (P-WI)
1
1945
Joseph W. Martin (MA)
168
Sam Rayburn (TX)
224


1947
Joseph W. Martin (MA)
244
Sam Rayburn (TX)
182


1949
Joseph W. Martin (MA)
160
Sam Rayburn (TX)
255


1951
Joseph W. Martin (MA)
193
Sam Rayburn (TX)
231


1953
Joseph W. Martin (MA)
220
Sam Rayburn (TX)
201


1955
Joseph W. Martin (MA)
198
Sam Rayburn (TX)
228


1957
Joseph W. Martin (MA)
199
Sam Rayburn (TX)
227


1959
Charles A. Halleck (IN)
148
Sam Rayburn (TX)
281


1961
Charles A. Halleck (IN)
170
Sam Rayburn (TX)
258


1 1

1945

Joseph W. Martin (MA)

168

Sam Rayburn (TX)

224

1947

Joseph W. Martin (MA)

244

Sam Rayburn (TX)

182

1949

Joseph W. Martin (MA)

160

Sam Rayburn (TX)

255

1951

Joseph W. Martin (MA)

193

Sam Rayburn (TX)

231

1953

Joseph W. Martin (MA)

220

Sam Rayburn (TX)

201

1955

Joseph W. Martin (MA)

198

Sam Rayburn (TX)

228

1957

Joseph W. Martin (MA)

199

Sam Rayburn (TX)

227

1959

Charles A. Halleck (IN)

148

Sam Rayburn (TX)

281

1961

Charles A. Halleck (IN)

170

Sam Rayburn (TX)

258

1962 (Jan. 10)^a 1962 (Jan. 10)a
Charles A. Halleck (IN)Charles A. Halleck (IN)
166

166

John W. McCormack (MA) (MA)
248


1963

248

1963

Charles A. Halleck (IN)Charles A. Halleck (IN)
175

175

John W. McCormack (MA) (MA)
256


1965

256

1965

Gerald R. Ford (MI)Gerald R. Ford (MI)
139

139

John W. McCormack (MA) (MA)
289


1967

289

1967

Gerald R. Ford (MI)Gerald R. Ford (MI)
186

186

John W. McCormack (MA) (MA)
246


1969

246

1969

Gerald R. Ford (MI)Gerald R. Ford (MI)
187

187

John W. McCormack (MA) (MA)
241


1971

241

1971

Gerald R. Ford (MI)Gerald R. Ford (MI)
176

176

Carl B. Albert (OK) (OK)
250


1973

250

1973

Gerald R. Ford (MI)Gerald R. Ford (MI)
188

188

Carl B. Albert (OK)

236

1975

John J. Rhodes (AZ)

143

Carl B. Albert (OK)

287

1977

John J. Rhodes (AZ)

142

Thomas P. ("Tip") O'Neill (MA)

290

1979

John J. Rhodes (AZ)

152

Thomas P. ("Tip") O'Neill (MA)

268

1981

Robert H. Michel (IL)

183

Thomas P. ("Tip") O'Neill (MA)

233

1983

Robert H. Michel (IL)

155

Thomas P. ("Tip") O'Neill (MA)

260

1985

Robert H. Michel (IL)

175

Thomas P. ("Tip") O'Neill (MA)

247

1987

Robert H. Michel (IL)

173

Jim Wright (TX)

254

1989

Robert H. Michel (IL)

170

Jim Wright (TX)

253

Carl B. Albert (OK)
236


1975
John J. Rhodes (AZ)
143
Carl B. Albert (OK)
287


1977
John J. Rhodes (AZ)
142
Thomas P. (“Tip”) O’Neill (MA)
290


1979
John J. Rhodes (AZ)
152
Thomas P. (“Tip”) O’Neill (MA)
268


1981
Robert H. Michel (IL)
183
Thomas P. (“Tip”) O’Neill (MA)
233


1983
Robert H. Michel (IL)
155
Thomas P. (“Tip”) O’Neill (MA)
260


CRS-6

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link to page 13 link to page 13 link to page 13
Year
Republican Nominee
Votes
Democratic Nominee
Votes
Others Receiving Votes
Votes
1985
Robert H. Michel (IL)
175
Thomas P. (“Tip”) O’Neill (MA)
247


1987
Robert H. Michel (IL)
173
Jim Wright (TX)
254


1989
Robert H. Michel (IL)
170
Jim Wright (TX)
253


1989 (June 6)a
1989 (June 6)^a Robert H. Michel (IL)Robert H. Michel (IL)
164

164

Thomas S. Foley (WA) (WA)
251


1991

251

1991

Robert H. Michel (IL)Robert H. Michel (IL)
165

165

Thomas S. Foley (WA) (WA)
262


1993

262

1993

Robert H. Michel (IL)Robert H. Michel (IL)
174

174

Thomas S. Foley (WA) (WA)
255


1995

255

1995

Newt Gingrich (GA)(GA)
228

228

Richard A. Gephardt (MO)Richard A. Gephardt (MO)
202


1997

202

1997

Newt Gingrich (GA) (GA)
216

216

Richard A. Gephardt (MO)Richard A. Gephardt (MO)
205

205

James Leach (R-IA)James Leach (R-IA)
2
Robert H. Michelc
1
Robert Walkerc
1
1999
Robert H. Michel^cRobert Walker^c 2 1 1

1999

J. Dennis Hastert (IL)(IL)
220

220

Richard A. Gephardt (MO)Richard A. Gephardt (MO)
205


2001

205

2001

J. Dennis Hastert (IL) (IL)
222
Richard A. Gephardt (MO)
206
John P. Murtha (D-PA)
1
2003

222

Richard A. Gephardt (MO)

206

John P. Murtha (D-PA)

1

2003

J. Dennis Hastert (IL)

228

J. Dennis Hastert (IL)
228
Nancy Pelosi (CA)Nancy Pelosi (CA)
201

201

John P. Murtha (D-PA)John P. Murtha (D-PA)
1
2005

1

2005

J. Dennis Hastert (IL) (IL)
226

226

Nancy Pelosi (CA)Nancy Pelosi (CA)
199

199

John P. Murtha (D-PA)John P. Murtha (D-PA)
1
2007

1

2007

John A. Boehner (OH)John A. Boehner (OH)
202
Nancy Pelosi (CA)
233


2009

202

Nancy Pelosi (CA)

233

2009

John A. Boehner (OH)

174

Nancy Pelosi (CA)

255

2011

John A. Boehner (OH)

241

Nancy Pelosi (CA)

173

Heath Shuler (D-NC)John Lewis (D-GA)Jim Costa (D-CA)Dennis Cardoza (D-CA)Jim Cooper (D-TN)Marcy Kaptur (D-OH)Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) 11211111

2013

John A. Boehner (OH)

220

Nancy Pelosi (CA)

192

Eric Cantor (R-VA)Allen West^cJim Cooper (D-TN)John Lewis (D-GA)Jim Jordan (R-OH) Colin Powell^cRaúl R. Labrador (R-ID) Justin Amash (R-MI)John Dingell (D-MI)David Walker^c 3221111111

2015

John A. Boehner (OH)

216

Nancy Pelosi (CA)

164

Daniel Webster (R-FL)Louie Gohmert (R-TX) Ted S. Yoho (R-FL)Jim Jordan (R-OH) Jeff Duncan (R-SC) John A. Boehner (OH)
174
Nancy Pelosi (CA)
255


2011
John A. Boehner (OH)
241
Nancy Pelosi (CA)
173
Heath Shuler (D-NC)
11
John Lewis (D-GA)
2
Jim Costa (D-CA)
1
Dennis Cardoza (D-CA)
1
Jim Cooper (D-TN)
1
Marcy Kaptur (D-OH)
1
Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD)
1
CRS-7

---

link to page 13 link to page 13 link to page 13 link to page 13 link to page 13 link to page 13 link to page 13 link to page 13
Year
Republican Nominee
Votes
Democratic Nominee
Votes
Others Receiving Votes
Votes
2013
John A. Boehner (OH)
220
Nancy Pelosi (CA)
192
Eric Cantor (R-VA)
3
Allen Westc
2
Jim Cooper (D-TN)
2
John Lewis (D-GA)
1
Jim Jordan (R-OH)
1
Colin Powel c
1
Raúl R. Labrador (R-ID)
1
Justin Amash (R-MI)
1
John Dingell (D-MI)
1
David Walkerc
1
2015
John A. Boehner (OH)
216
Nancy Pelosi (CA)
164
Daniel Webster (R-FL)
12
Louie Gohmert (R-TX)
3
Ted S. Yoho (R-FL)
2
Jim Jordan (R-OH)
2
Jeff Duncan (R-SC)
1
Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY)c
1
Colin Powel c
1
Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY)^cColin Powell^cTrey Gowdy (R-SC)Trey Gowdy (R-SC)
1
Kevin McCarthy (R-CA)Kevin McCarthy (R-CA)
1
Jim Cooper (D-TN)Jim Cooper (D-TN)
1
Peter A. DeFazio (D-OR)Peter A. DeFazio (D-OR)
1
Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-ALSen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL)c
1
)^cJohn Lewis (D-GA)John Lewis (D-GA)
1
12322111111111 2015 (Oct. 29)^a 2015 (Oct. 29)a
Paul D. Ryan (WI)
236
Nancy Pelosi (CA)
184
Daniel Webster (R-FL)
9
Colin Powel c
1
Jim Cooper (D-TN)
1
John Lewis (D-GA)
1
2017
Paul D. Ryan (WI)
239
Nancy Pelosi (CA)
189
Tim Ryan (D-OH)
2
Daniel Webster (R-FL)
1
Jim Cooper (D-TN)
1
John Lewis (D-GA)
1
CRS-8

---

link to page 13 link to page 13 link to page 13 link to page 13 link to page 13 link to page 13 link to page 13
Year
Republican Nominee
Votes
Democratic Nominee
Votes
Others Receiving Votes
Votes
2019
Kevin McCarthy (CA)
192
Nancy Pelosi (CA)
220
Jim Jordan (R-OH)
5
Cheri Bustos (D-IL)
4
Paul D. Ryan (WI)

236

Nancy Pelosi (CA)

184

Daniel Webster (R-FL)Colin Powell^cJim Cooper (D-TN)John Lewis (D-GA) 9111

2017

Paul D. Ryan (WI)

239

Nancy Pelosi (CA)

189

Tim Ryan (D-OH)Daniel Webster (R-FL) Jim Cooper (D-TN)John Lewis (D-GA) 2111

2019

Kevin McCarthy (CA)

192

Nancy Pelosi (CA)

220

Jim Jordan (R-OH)Cheri Bustos (D-IL) Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)c
2
IL)^cThomas Massie (R-KY)Thomas Massie (R-KY)
1
Joseph Biden^c Joseph Bidenc
1
John Lewis (D-GA)John Lewis (D-GA)
1
Joseph P. Kennedy, III (D-MA)Joseph P. Kennedy, III (D-MA)
1
Stephanie Murphy (D-FL)Stephanie Murphy (D-FL)
1
Marcia L. Fudge (D-OH)Marcia L. Fudge (D-OH)
1
Stacey Abrams^c 5421111111

2021

Stacey Abramsc
1
2021
Kevin McCarthy (CA)Kevin McCarthy (CA)
209

209

Nancy Pelosi (CA)(CA)
216

216

Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)c
1
IL)^cRep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY)Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY)
1
11 2023 (Jan. ballot #1)2023 (Jan. ballot #1)
Kevin McCarthy (CA)Kevin McCarthy (CA)
203

203

Hakeem S. Jeffries (NY)Hakeem S. Jeffries (NY)
212

212

Andy Biggs (R-AZ)
10
Jim Jordan (R-OH)Jim Jordan (R-OH)
6
Jim Banks (R-IN)Jim Banks (R-IN)
1
Lee Zeldinc
1
Byron Donalds (R-FL)
1
(ballot #15)
Lee Zeldin^cByron Donalds (R-FL) 106111

(ballot #15)

Kevin McCarthy (CA)(CA)
214
Hakeem S. Jeffries (NY)
212

216

Hakeem S. Jeffries (NY)

212

2023 (Oct. ballot #12023 (Oct. ballot #1)d
)^d Jim Jordan (Jim Jordan (IN)
200
OH)

200

Hakeem S. Jeffries (NY)Hakeem S. Jeffries (NY)
212

212

Steve Scalise (R-LA)Steve Scalise (R-LA)
7
Kevin McCarthy (R-CA)Kevin McCarthy (R-CA)
6
Lee Zeldinc
3
Lee Zeldin^cMike Garcia (R-CA)Mike Garcia (R-CA)
1
Tom Emmer (R-MN)Tom Emmer (R-MN)
1
Tom Cole (R-OK)Tom Cole (R-OK)
1
Thomas Massie (R-KY)Thomas Massie (R-KY)
1
(ballot #4)
7631111

(ballot #4)

Mike Johnson (LA)(LA)
220

220

Hakeem S. Jeffries (NY)Hakeem S. Jeffries (NY)
209

209

2025

Mike Johnson (LA)

218

Hakeem S. Jeffries (NY)

215

Tom Emmer (R-MN)

1

Source: Journals of the House of Representatives (for 2003-2011, of the House of Representatives (for 2003-2011, Congressional Record, daily edition, and for 2013-, daily edition, and for 2013-20232025, Clerk of the House website, , Clerk of the House website,
https://clerk.house.gov/https://clerk.house.gov/VotesVotes). Party designations are taken from the ). Party designations are taken from the Congressional Directory for the respective years since these reflect a Member for the respective years since these reflect a Member’'s official party self-s official party self-
designation; historical sources may differ as to the effective party affiliation of certain individuals.designation; historical sources may differ as to the effective party affiliation of certain individuals.
Notes: Key:Key:
Elected candidate in Elected candidate in bold..
“Other” "Other" candidate candidate’'s name formally placed in nomination in s name formally placed in nomination in italics.
CRS-9

---

italics. Party designations of Party designations of “other”"other" candidates: R = Republican, P = Progressive, F-L = Farmer-Labor. candidates: R = Republican, P = Progressive, F-L = Farmer-Labor.
Notes:
a. a. Special election to Special election to fil fill a vacancy in the speakership caused by death or resignation.a vacancy in the speakership caused by death or resignation.
b. b. Elected by resolution, not by Elected by resolution, not by rol roll call from nominations.call from nominations.
c. c. Not a member of the House at the time.Not a member of the House at the time.
d. d. Special election caused by House declaration of a vacancy in the SpeakerSpecial election caused by House declaration of a vacancy in the Speaker’'s office.s office.



CRS-10

---

Appendix. Multi-Ballot Speaker Elections Since 1913
Table A-1. 1923 (68th68^th Congress)
(R)=Republican Party Nominee; (D)=Democratic Party Nominee(R)=Republican Party Nominee; (D)=Democratic Party Nominee

Dec. 3 (ballot #1) Dec. 3 (#2) Dec. 3 (#3) Dec. 3 (#4) Dec. 4 (#5)
Dec. 4 (#6)
Dec. 4 (#7)
Dec. 4 (#8)

Dec. 5 (#9)

Gillett (R)

197

194

195

197

197

195

196

197

215

Garrett (D)

195

194

196

196

197

197

198

198

197

Cooper

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

17

-

Madden

5

6

5

5

5

5

5

5

2

Present

4

3

3

3

3

3

3

3

4

Dec. 5 (#9)
Gil ett (R)
197
194
195
197
197
195
196
197
215
Garrett (D)
195
194
196
196
197
197
198
198
197
Cooper
17
17
17
17
17
17
17
17
-
Madden
5
6
5
5
5
5
5
5
2
Present
4
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
4
Source: Congressional Record, vol. 65 (December 3 - 5, 1923), pp. H8-H15., vol. 65 (December 3 - 5, 1923), pp. H8-H15.
CRS-11

---

link to page 15 link to page 15
Table A-2. January 2023 (118th118^th Congress)
(R)=Republican Party Nominee; (D)=Democratic Party Nominee(R)=Republican Party Nominee; (D)=Democratic Party Nominee
Jan. 3
Jan. 3
Jan. 3
Jan. 4
Jan. 4
Jan. 4
Jan. 5
Jan. 5
Jan. 5
Jan. 5 Jan. 5
Jan. 6
Jan. 6
Jan. 6
Jan. 7

(ballot #1)
(#2)
(#3)
(#4)
(#5)
(#6)
(#7)
(#8)
(#9)
(#10)
(#11)
(#12)
(#13)
(#14)
(#15)
McCarthy (R)
203
203
202
201
201
201
201
201
200
200
200
213
214
216
216
Jeffries (D)
212
212
212
212
212
212
212
212
212
212
212
211
212
212
212
Biggs
10
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Jordan
6
19
20
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
4
6
2
-
Banks
1
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
2
-
Zeldina
1
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Donalds
1
-
-
20
20
20
19
17
17
13
12
-
-
-
-
Trumpa
-
-
-
-
-
-
1
1
-
-
1
-
-
-
-
Hern
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
2
3
7
7
3
-
-
-
Present
-
-
-
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
-
-
2
6

Jan. 3 (ballot #1)

Jan. 3 (#2)

Jan. 3 (#3)

Jan. 4 (#4)

Jan. 4 (#5)

Jan. 4 (#6)

Jan. 5 (#7)

Jan. 5 (#8)

Jan. 5 (#9)

Jan. 5 (#10)

Jan. 5 (#11)

Jan. 6 (#12)

Jan. 6 (#13)

Jan. 6 (#14)

Jan. 7 (#15)

McCarthy (R)

203

203

202

201

201

201

201

201

200

200

200

213

214

216

216

Jeffries (D)

212

212

212

212

212

212

212

212

212

212

212

211

212

212

212

Biggs

10

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Jordan

6

19

20

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

4

6

2

-

Banks

1

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

2

-

Zeldin^a

1

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Donalds

1

-

-

20

20

20

19

17

17

13

12

-

-

-

-

Trump^a

-

-

-

-

-

-

1

1

-

-

1

-

-

-

-

Hern

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

2

3

7

7

3

-

-

-

Present

-

-

-

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

-

-

2

6

Source: Clerk of the House website (https://clerk.house.gov/Clerk of the House website (https://clerk.house.gov/VotesVotes). See ). See Rol Roll Call vote numbers 2 through 4 (January 3); 5 through 7 (January 4); 9 through 13 (January Call vote numbers 2 through 4 (January 3); 5 through 7 (January 4); 9 through 13 (January
5); 15, 16, and 18 (January 6); and 20 (January 7).5); 15, 16, and 18 (January 6); and 20 (January 7).
Notes:
a. a. Lee M. Zeldin (NY, former Member of Congress) and Donald J. Trump (former President of the United States) were not Members at the time.Lee M. Zeldin (NY, former Member of Congress) and Donald J. Trump (former President of the United States) were not Members at the time.
CRS-12

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link to page 16 link to page 16 link to page 16 link to page 16 link to page 16
Table A-3. October 2023 (118th118^th Congress)
(R)= Republican Party Nominee; (D)=Democratic Party Nominee(R)= Republican Party Nominee; (D)=Democratic Party Nominee
Oct. 17
Oct. 18
Oct. 20
Oct. 25

Oct. 17 (ballot #1)
(#2)
(#3)
(#4)
Oct. 18 (#2) Oct. 20 (#3) Oct. 25 (#4) Jordan (R)^a

200

199

194

-

Jeffries (D)

212

212

210

209

Jordan (R)a
200
199
194
-
Jeffries (D)
212
212
210
209
Johnson (R)a
-
-
-
220
Scalise
7
7
8
-
McCarthy
6
5
2
-
Zeldinb
3
3
4
-
Garcia, Mike
1
1
1
-
Emmer
1
1
1
-
Cole
1
-
-
-
Massie
1
-
-
-
Donalds
-
1
2
-
Boehnerb
-
1
-
-
Granger
-
1
-
-
Westerman
-
1
1
-
Mil er, Candiceb
-
1
-
-
McHenry
-
-
6
-
Present
-
-
-
-
Johnson (R)^a

-

-

-

220

Scalise

7

7

8

-

McCarthy

6

5

2

-

Zeldin^b

3

3

4

-

Garcia, Mike

1

1

1

-

Emmer

1

1

1

-

Cole

1

-

-

-

Massie

1

-

-

-

Donalds

-

1

2

-

Boehner^b

-

1

-

-

Granger

-

1

-

-

Westerman

-

1

1

-

Miller, Candice^b

-

1

-

-

McHenry

-

-

6

-

Present

-

-

-

-

Source: Clerk of the House website (https://clerk.house.gov/Clerk of the House website (https://clerk.house.gov/VotesVotes). See ). See Rol Roll Call vote numbers 521 (October 17), 523 (October 18), 525 (October 20), and 527 Call vote numbers 521 (October 17), 523 (October 18), 525 (October 20), and 527
(October 25).(October 25).
Notes:
a. a. Jordan was the Republican PartyJordan was the Republican Party’'s nominee on the first three ballots; Johnson was the partys nominee on the first three ballots; Johnson was the party’'s nominee on the fourth ballot.s nominee on the fourth ballot.
b. b. Lee M. Zeldin (NY), John A. Boehner (OH), and Candice S. Lee M. Zeldin (NY), John A. Boehner (OH), and Candice S. Mil erMiller (MI) were former Members of Congress at the time. (MI) were former Members of Congress at the time.

CRS-13

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Speakers of the House: Elections, 1913-2023



Author Information

Valerie Heitshusen

Specialist on Congress and the Legislative Process


Acknowledgments
This report was initially written by Richard S. Beth, former CRS Specialist on Congress and the Legislative This report was initially written by Richard S. Beth, former CRS Specialist on Congress and the Legislative
Process. The current author had updated the report in recent years and is available to answer inquiries from Process. The current author had updated the report in recent years and is available to answer inquiries from
congressional clients on the topic.congressional clients on the topic.

Disclaimer
This document was prepared by the Congressional Research Service (CRS). CRS serves as nonpartisan
shared staff to congressional committees and Members of Congress. It operates solely at the behest of and
under the direction of Congress. Information in a CRS Report should not be relied upon for purposes other
than public understanding of information that has been provided by CRS to Members of Congress in
connection with CRS’s institutional role. CRS Reports, as a work of the United States Government, are not
subject to copyright protection in the United States. Any CRS Report may be reproduced and distributed in
its entirety without permission from CRS. However, as a CRS Report may include copyrighted images or
material from a third party, you may need to obtain the permission of the copyright holder if you wish to
copy or otherwise use copyrighted material.

Congressional Research Service
RL30857 · VERSION 29 · UPDATED
14

Footnotes

1.	For key House precedents and general discussion of Speaker election procedures, see Precedents of the U.S. House of Representatives, 115th Cong., 1st sess., H.Doc. No. 115-62 (GPO, 2019) (hereinafter Precedents Wickham), ch. 6, §1. The volume is available online, referred to as the 2017 series, on the GovInfo website of the U.S. Government Publishing Office at https://www.govinfo.gov/collection/precedents-of-the-house. See also CRS Report R44243, Electing the Speaker of the House of Representatives: Frequently Asked Questions, by Valerie Heitshusen.
2.	Until the 1830s, the Speaker was elected by secret ballot. See Asher C. Hinds, Hinds' Precedents of the House of Representative of the United States, vol. I (Washington, DC: GPO, 1906), §§187, 204-211. Also see Jeffrey A. Jenkins and Charles Stewart III, Fighting for the Speakership: The House and the Rise of Party Government (Princeton University Press, 2013).
3.	Candidates may vote for themselves, although they have often declined to vote or voted "present."
4.	In the 1989 and 2015 cases, because the Speaker resigned effective upon the election of a successor, each presided over the election of his replacement. See Precedents (Wickham), ch. 6, §1, p. 395 (note 29) and §1.2. In the 2023 replacement election triggered by a declared vacancy in the speakership, a Speaker pro tempore had assumed certain authorities of the Speaker (pursuant to House Rule I, clause 8(b)(3)) and thus presided over the election of a new Speaker. See Congressional Record, daily edition, vol. 169 (October 3, 2023), p. H4978.
5.	The Clerk, remarks from the chair (and parliamentary inquiry immediately following), Congressional Record, vol. 143, January 7, 1997, p. 117. See also John V. Sullivan, Thomas J. Wickham Jr., and Jason A. Smith, House Practice: A Guide to the Rules, Precedents, and Procedures of the House (GPO, 2024), ch. 34, §3, which states that "the Speaker is elected by a majority of Members-elect voting by surname, a quorum being present." See also Constitution, Jefferson's Manual, and Rules of the House of Representatives, One Hundred Nineteenth Congress, (compiled by) Jason A. Smith, Parliamentarian, 118th Cong., 2nd sess., H.Doc. 118-187 (GPO, 2025), §27.
6.	The existence of vacancies at the point when a new House first convened was more common before the 20th Amendment took effect in 1936. Until that time, a Congress elected in one November did not begin its term until March of the following year, and did not convene until December of that year, unless the previous Congress provided otherwise by law.
7.	Precedents (Wickham), ch. 6, §1.
8.	This occurrence, however, was more common before the period covered in this report, when the two-party system had not become as thoroughly established nor the discipline accompanying it as pronounced.
9.	See Table A-1 in Appendix for full results.
10.	See Table A-2 in Appendix for full results.
11.	The resolution was agreed to, 216-210. Upon adoption and pursuant to House Rule I, clause 8(b)(3), a Speaker pro tempore (Rep. Patrick McHenry [NC]) assumed certain duties of the Speaker until a new one was elected. See Congressional Record, daily edition, vol. 169 (October 3, 2023), p. H4978. See also Precedents (Wickham), ch. 6, §1, pp. 395-396.
12.	See Table A-3 in the Appendix for full results.
13.	The "modern Congress" is usually reckoned from the implementation in the 80th Cong. (1947-1948) of the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 (P.L. 79-601, 60 Stat. 812).
14.	Subsequently, in organizing for that Congress (the 107th), the party caucus against whose nominee the Member voted declined to provide him with committee assignments.

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