WASHINGTON (NEWSnet/AP) — Speaker Kevin McCarthy was voted out of the job Tuesday in an extraordinary showdown, a first in U.S. history.

The 216-210 vote, forced by a contingent of hard-right conservatives, throws the House and its Republican leadership into chaos.

McCarthy’s chief rival, Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, brought forward the “motion to vacate” drawing together more than a handful of conservative Republican critics of the speaker and many Democrats who say he is unworthy of leadership.

The next steps are uncertain, but there is no obvious successor to lead the House Republican majority.

Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., according to House rules, was named speaker pro tempore, to serve in the office until a new speaker is chosen.

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