Kevin McCarthy struggles for top spot in new Republican-led U.S. Congress

U.S. Representative Kevin McCarthy struggled to beat back hardline conservative opposition and secure enough votes to give him the speakership when the new House of Representatives convenes with a narrow Republican majority on Tuesday.

After a poorer-than-expected showing in November midterm elections, McCarthy's fellow Republicans have been embroiled in a public brawl over who should lead their party once it assumes control of the House.

A group of hardline conservatives oppose McCarthy's candidacy, concerned that he is less deeply vested in the culture wars and partisan rivalries that have dominated...