Republicans nominate McCarthy for U.S. House speaker

WASHINGTON (AFP) — Top United States Republican Kevin McCarthy was chosen Tuesday as his party’s leader in the House of Representatives — putting him in prime position to become speaker if his camp reclaims control of the chamber as expected.

“The era of one-party Democrat rule is over, the 57-year-old congressman from California,” a senior member of House Republican leadership since 2014, said.

McCarthy was elected by secret ballot — fending off a challenge from Andy Biggs, a member of the influential far-right Freedom Caucus.