Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas escaped history Tuesday after House Republicans fell short in their attempt to impeach him, failing to muster enough support within their own ranks.

GOP leaders had hoped to make him the first sitting Cabinet secretary ever to be impeached, but they fell short.

Four Republicans joined with Democrats in sinking the effort, one of whom changed his vote at the last minute.

Republicans preserved a chance to take a revote later, but the failure marked a major blow to Republicans who had insisted they would succeed.

• Stephen Dinan can be reached at sdinan@washingtontimes.com.

• Alex Miller can be reached at amiller@washingtontimes.com.