Republican House leader Kevin McCarthy (Photo: CNN)

An adjournment of several hours was called after six rounds of voting over two days.

In 3 rounds of voting on Tuesday, Republicans opposing McCarthy nominated a slew of candidates, including Rep. Andy Biggs of Arizona and Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio, leaving McCarthy short of the 218 votes needed to become Speaker of the US House of Representatives in all 3 rounds.

On Wednesday, on the 4th and 5th ballot, Mr. McCarthy lost 20 votes to a "rival of the same party".