McCarthy clinches vote to become House speaker in historic 15th ballot

Republican Kevin McCarthy was elected US House speaker in a historic post-midnight 15th ballot early on Saturday, overcoming holdouts from his own ranks (Alex Brandon/AP)

Republican Kevin McCarthy was elected US House speaker in a historic post-midnight 15th ballot early on Saturday, overcoming holdouts from his own ranks.

It was the end to a chaotic week that tested the new GOP majority’s ability to govern.