Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) was elected speaker of the House in the 116th Congress’s first official act Thursday, with Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-7) supporting Pelosi while Alabama’s Republican representatives voted for Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA).
Of the 430 votes cast, Pelosi received 220. Three Democrats voted present, while 12 voted for a Democrat other than Pelosi. No Republicans voted for her speakership bid.
After losing to Pelosi for speaker as expected, McCarthy will serve as the minority leader. Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA) is now the minority whip.
Some of Alabama’s congressional members also began key leadership roles on Thursday.
Sewell is now serving as the chief deputy majority whip, while Rep. Gary Palmer (AL-6) started his tenure as Republican Policy Committee chair, the fifth highest ranking position in the House GOP Caucus.
Rep. Mike Rogers (AL-3) began serving as ranking member of the Homeland Security Committee while Rep. Robert Aderholt (AL-4) kicked off his important service as ranking member of the Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations Subcommittee.
Sean Ross is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn
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