5 ways the GOP battle over House Speaker could end — with or without Kevin McCarthy prevailing

After the US House of Representatives adjourned on Wednesday evening, the battle for speaker was set to continue into a third day.

After six rounds of voting, about 20 Republicans refused to support Kevin McCarthy. McCarthy needs the support of almost all Republicans in order to become speaker.

The group of Republicans protesting McCarthy doesn't seem to be giving in and how the whole thing will end is up in the air.

"If you can imagine a scenario where both sides are able to claim victory, that's the one you'd probably put your chips on," Kevin Kosar said. It's not clear what that is.

There are five possible ways the battle for House Speaker could end.

McCarthy gives GOP holdouts what they want

Rules changes that would give more power to individual members are among the demands that the group of lawmakers opposing McCarthy has made.

McCarthy agreed to expand the rights of members in order to allow a few to force a vote of no confidence in the speaker. Before Nancy Pelosi weakened the motion in 2019, some Republicans wanted to be able to force a vote even further, as was the case before.

It's not clear what other concessions McCarthy could make to get the support he needs. There's little McCarthy could do to get their vote, according to some.

McCarthy bows out and a consensus speaker is selected

McCarthy is set to become speaker. It is possible that the representative from California could withdraw if he thinks he can't win.

Since the first vote on Tuesday, when only 19 Republicans voted against McCarthy, his support has waned slightly, but it's not clear how long he would be willing to wait.

Twenty Republicans voted for Donalds.

McCarthy cuts a deal with Democrats

McCarthy could potentially come to a deal with the Democrats in which they would support his bid for speaker. Democrats have not been willing to step in.

Nancy Pelosi was asked if Democrats could intervene. Leadership is what this is. It should be possible for them to work it out. Don't put this near the Democrats.

McCarthy could be hurt by cooperating with Democrats.

Kosar said that the Freedom Caucus response would be "Oh my God, Kevin McCarthy schemed with Democrats."

Members stop showing up as the vote drags on, lowering the majority threshold

McCarthy needs to get a majority of votes in order to be elected speaker. He could be elected speaker even without the support of his entire party if some members stop showing up.

House changes the rules to push McCarthy through

Changing the rules of voting for speaker is a possibility. McCarthy could make a motion stating that whoever gets the most votes would become speaker even if they don't get a majority of votes.

That could cause enough Republicans to back McCarthy in order to keep a Democrat out of the speaker's chair. Hakeem Jeffries has been the House Minority Leader for the Democrats for a long time.

Kosar said that the outcome was fanciful.