The Republican Party was in turmoil after hardliners repeatedly blocked their own leader from becoming the new House speaker.
Republican boss had planned to replace democrats speaker nancy pelosi After battling for control of the House of Representatives in the recent midterm elections, a fight with party leader Kevin McCarthy
But the usually straightforward process was thrown into disarray on Tuesday when a caucus of right-wing Republicans put forward their own candidate, Jim Jordan.
The group’s support for Mr Jordan – who insists he doesn’t want the job – meant Mr McCarthy could not get enough votes from his party to win it.
It was the first time in 100 years that a nominee for Speaker of the House of Representatives failed to be named on the first ballot.
Jim Jordan proposed by GOP rebels as an alternative
The group behind the rebellion – the ultra-conservative Freedom Caucus – is often an outspoken supporter of the former president donald trumpwho previously backed Mr McCarthy as House speaker.
However, figures including Florida Representative Matt Gates have spoken out against Mr Trump’s choice.
After three rounds of inconclusive voting, the House of Representatives adjourned without electing a new speaker, preventing the House from carrying out its daily business until a new speaker is elected.
Without a Speaker, the House of Representatives cannot be fully constituted, nor can it swear in its members, appoint committee chairmen, and participate in proceedings.
The House is set to reconvene on Wednesday, and Mr McCarthy has insisted he will not back out.
“It’s not going to happen,” he said when asked if he would hold back.
Yet the rebels also showed no sign of backing down, with Republican diehard Bob Goode saying: “Kevin McCarthy is not going to be the speaker.”