Republicans explode in uproar as Gaetz accuses McCarthy of 'vanity' in House speaker showdown

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Matt Gaetz interrupted by Republican lawmaker as he nominates Jim Jordan, drawing jeers and cheers

Rep.-elect Matt Gaetz was interrupted by a fellow Republican as he nominated Rep.-elect Jim Jordan for House speaker Friday.

Remarks from Florida GOP Rep.-elect Matt Gaetz — one of several Republicans opposed to Kevin McCarthy's bid for speaker of the House — led to an outburst from one of his GOP colleagues as he spoke on the House floor Friday.

"You only earn the position of speaker of the House if you can get the votes. Mr. McCarthy doesn't have the votes today, he will not have the votes tomorrow, and he will not have the votes next week, next month, next year," Gaetz said as he nominated Ohio GOP Rep.-elect Jim Jordan to serve as the next speaker of the House.

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GOP House Reps.-elect Matt Gaetz of Florida, left, and Mike Bost of Illinois. (Win McNamee via Getty Images)

"And so, one must wonder, Madam Clerk, is this an exercise in vanity for someone who's done the math, taken the counts, and is putting this institution through something that is absolutely avoidable?" he added.

Gaetz's remarks were met with groans from his Republican colleagues who were sitting around him during the nomination process.

In opposition to Gaetz's comments, GOP Rep.-elect Mike Bost of Illinois arose and shouted across the chamber at Gaetz as he pointed his finger.

Rep.-elect Mike Bost , R-Ill., yells out as Rep.-elect Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., delivers remarks in the House Chamber during the fourth day of elections for speaker of the House at the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., on Friday. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

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Bost was interrupted by the House clerk, who called the House to order as Bost remained standing and shouting.

While it is unclear exactly what Bost said to Gaetz, several Republicans vacated their seats shortly after the comments were made and headed toward the back of the chamber as Gaetz continued speaking.

GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., makes his way to the House floor before a vote for speaker of the House on Friday. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)

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During the 12th vote held for House speaker on Friday, over a dozen Republicans who had previously withheld support for McCarthy — including Reps.-elect Byron Donalds of Florida, Chip Roy of Texas and Dan Bishop of North Carolina — voted for him to become the next speaker.

McCarthy still was not able to grasp the required votes needed to obtain the speakership according to the unofficial tally. A 13th vote by House members could be held on Friday.