Unable to elect Republican leader Kevin McCarthy as the new House speaker Tuesday. image credit: Google

The Republicans adjourned for the day in disarray as the party tries to regroup from his historic defeat after a long, messy start for the new Congress. image credit: Google

Rep. Kevin McCarthy said late Tuesday there is no scenario under which he will drop out of the race for House speaker. image credit: Google

The surprise end to Day One shows there is no easy way out for McCarthy whose effort to claim the gavel collapsed to opposition from conservatives. image credit: Google

Needing 218 votes in the full House. image credit: Google

McCarthy got just 203 in two rounds — less even than Democrat Hakeem Jeffries in the GOP-controlled chamber. image credit: Google

A third ballot was even worse, with McCarthy losing 20 votes as night fell on the new House GOP majority, tensions rising as all other business came to a halt. image credit: Google

McCarthy had pledged a “battle on the floor” for as long as it took to overcome right-flank fellow Republicans who were refusing to give him their votes. image credit: Google

It was not at all clear how the embattled GOP leader could rebound after becoming the first House speaker nominee in 100 years to fail to win the gavel from his fellow party members on the initial vote. image credit: Google

“No one has worked harder for this majority than Kevin McCarthy,” said Stefanik (R-N.Y). image credit: Google