The House recessed Tuesday following a historic vote that ejected Kevin McCarthy as speaker and lawmakers huddled privately to hash out a plan to either try to reelect him or find another candidate who can win a majority of Republican votes.

Rep. Patrick McHenry, a North Carolina Republican and chair of the House Financial Services Committee, was designated to serve as the temporary speaker. He was chosen by Mr. McCarthy earlier this year to serve in the event of an emergency and according to top House aides, only has the authority to conduct new elections for speaker.

It’s not clear what the impact of Mr. McCarthy’s removal will have on House floor legislation or whether any further business can be conducted without a permanent speaker in the chair.

Mr. McCarthy was pushed out in a 216-210 vote. Only eight Republicans voted to remove Mr. McCarthy, but they were joined by all House Democrats in the floor vote, forcing out Mr. McCarthy.

It’s the first time in history a House speaker has been tossed out.

Mr. McCarthy’s removal was orchestrated by Rep. Matt Gaetz, Florida Republican, who said he would not run to replace Mr. McCarthy. He also said he is not sure who can win the majority needed to take the gavel.

Mr. McCarthy lost, said Mr. Gaetz, because he’s made promises over reining in government spending that he has failed to uphold. 
“This represents the ripping off of the Band-Aid and that’s what we need to get back on track,” Mr. Gaetz said after the vote.

• Susan Ferrechio can be reached at sferrechio@washingtontimes.com.