# List of Speaker of the United States House of Representatives elections

An election for speaker of the United States House of Representatives is held when the House first convenes after a general election for its two-year term, or when a sitting speaker dies, resigns, or is removed from the position. The speaker is the political and parliamentary leader of the House, and is simultaneously the body's presiding officer, the de facto leader of the body's majority party, and the institution's administrative head.
A speaker election is generally held at least every two years; the House has elected a Speaker 129 times since the office was created in 1789. Traditionally, each political party's caucus/conference selects a candidate for speaker from among its senior leaders prior to the vote, and the majority party's nominee is elected. Prior to 1839, the House elected its speaker by paper ballot, but since, on all but three occasions, has done so by roll call vote. A majority of votes cast (as opposed to a majority of the full membership of the House) is necessary to elect a speaker. By House precedents, votes of present are not to be included in the official vote total, only votes cast for a person by name are; even so, they have been counted on several occasions.
If no candidate receives a majority vote, then the roll call is repeated until a speaker is elected. Multiple rounds of voting have been necessary 16 times since 1789, almost all before the American Civil War. In the 20th century only one election went to multiple ballots (in 1923). In the 21st century, it has happened twice in the same year, in January and in October 2023.
Representatives are not restricted to voting for the candidate nominated by their party, but generally do. Additionally, as the U.S. Constitution does not explicitly state that the speaker must be an incumbent member of the House, it is permissible for representatives to vote for someone who is not a member of the House at the time, and non-members have received a few votes in various speaker elections over the past several years. Nevertheless, every person elected speaker has been a member.
Altogether, 56 people have served as speaker over the past 235 years; 32 of them served multiple terms and seven of those served nonconsecutive terms. Sam Rayburn holds the record for electoral victories, with 10. He led the House from September 1940 to January 1947, January 1949 to January 1953, and January 1955 to November 1961 (a tenure totaling 17 years).

## Contents

* 1 Elections from 1789 to 1799
* 1789
* 1791
* 1793
* 1795
* 1797
* 1799
* 2 Elections from 1801 to 1899
* 1801
* 1803
* 1805
* 1807
* 1809
* 1811
* 1813
* 1814
* 1815
* 1817
* 1819
* 1820
* 1821
* 1823
* 1825
* 1827
* 1829
* 1831
* 1833
* 1834
* 1835
* 1837
* 1839
* 1841
* 1843
* 1845
* 1847
* 1849
* 1851
* 1853
* 1855–56
* 1857
* 1859–60
* 1861
* 1863
* 1865
* 1867
* 1869 (40th Congress)
* 1869 (41st Congress)
* 1871
* 1873
* 1875
* 1876
* 1877
* 1879
* 1881
* 1883
* 1885
* 1887
* 1889
* 1891
* 1893
* 1895
* 1897
* 1899
* 3 Elections from 1901 to 1999
* 1901
* 1903
* 1905
* 1907
* 1909
* 1911
* 1913
* 1915
* 1917
* 1919
* 1921
* 1923
* 1925
* 1927
* 1929
* 1931
* 1933
* 1935
* 1936
* 1937
* 1939
* 1940
* 1941
* 1943
* 1945
* 1947
* 1949
* 1951
* 1953
* 1955
* 1957
* 1959
* 1961
* 1962
* 1963
* 1965
* 1967
* 1969
* 1971
* 1973
* 1975
* 1977
* 1979
* 1981
* 1983
* 1985
* 1987
* January 1989
* June 1989
* 1991
* 1993
* 1995
* 1997
* 1999
* 4 Elections since 2001
* 2001
* 2003
* 2005
* 2007
* 2009
* 2011
* 2013
* January 2015
* October 2015
* 2017
* 2019
* 2021
* January 2023
* October 2023
* 2025
* 5 Notes
* 6 References
* Citations
* Sources

## Elections from 1789 to 1799
### April 1789

The first-ever election for speaker of the House took place on April 1, 1789, at the start of the 1st Congress, following the 1788–89 elections in which candidates who supported the new Constitution won a majority of the seats. Frederick Muhlenberg, who had promoted the ratification of the Constitution, received a majority of the votes cast and was elected speaker. Though political parties did not yet exist, political factions, from which they evolved, formed almost immediately after Congress began its work. Those who supported the Washington administration were referred to as "Pro-Administration", while those in opposition were known as "Anti-Administration".
1789 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Pro-Administration | Frederick Muhlenberg (PA at-large) | 23 | 76.67 |
| | — | Others | 7 | 23.33 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 30 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 16 | >50 |

### October 1791

An election for speaker took place on October 24, 1791, at the start of the 2nd Congress, following the 1790–91 elections in which Pro-Administration candidates won a majority of the seats. Jonathan Trumbull Jr. received a majority of the votes cast and was elected speaker.
1791 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Pro-Administration | Jonathan Trumbull Jr. (CT at-large) | Majority | 00 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | (?) | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | (?) | >50 |

### December 1793

An election for speaker took place on December 2, 1793, at the start of the 3rd Congress, following the 1792–93 elections, in which anti-administration candidates won a majority of the seats. The faction was unable, however, to turn this numerical advantage into victory in the election for speaker, as several of them were not in attendance for the vote. Consequently, several Anti-Administration members voted strategically for former speaker Frederick Muhlenberg, a Pro-Administration moderate, who received a majority of the votes cast in the 3rd ballot and was elected speaker. This was the first speaker of the House election to be contested primarily on a partisan basis.
1793 election for speaker :
| December 2, 1793 – 1st ballot |||||
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Pro-Administration | Theodore Sedgwick (MA 2) | 24 | 36.36 |
| | Pro-Administration | Frederick Muhlenberg (PA at-large) | 21 | 31.82 |
| | Anti-Administration | Abraham Baldwin (GA at-large) | 14 | 21.22 |
| | — | Others | 7 | 10.60 |
| Total votes: | Total votes: | Total votes: | 66 | 100 |
| Votes necessary: | Votes necessary: | Votes necessary: | 34 | >50 |
| December 2, 1793 – 3rd Ballot |||||
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Pro-Administration | Frederick Muhlenberg (PA at-large) | 37 | |
| | Pro-Administration | Theodore Sedgwick (MA 2) | 27 | |
| | — | Others | (?) | |
| Total votes: | Total votes: | Total votes: | 64+ | 100 |
| Votes necessary: | Votes necessary: | Votes necessary: | ~34 | >50 |

### December 1795

An election for speaker took place on December 7, 1795, at the start of the 4th Congress, following the 1794–95 elections. During the preceding Congress, the Pro-Administration faction coalesced into the Federalist Party, and the Anti-Administration faction into the Democratic-Republican Party. Though Democratic-Republicans won a majority of the seats in these elections, several joined with the Federalists to elect Jonathan Dayton speaker on the first ballot.
1795 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Federalist | Jonathan Dayton (NJ at-large) | 46 | 58.23 |
| | Democratic-Republican | Frederick Muhlenberg (PA 2) (incumbent) | 31 | 39.24 |
| | — | Others | 2 | 2.53 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 79 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 40 | >50 |

### May 1797

An election for speaker took place on May 15, 1797, at the start of the 5th Congress, following the 1796–97 elections in which Federalists won a majority of the seats. In a near-unanimous vote, Jonathan Dayton was re-elected speaker.
1797 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Federalist | Jonathan Dayton (NJ at-large) (incumbent) | 78 | 97.50 |
| | Federalist | George Dent (MD 1) | 1 | 1.25 |
| | Democratic-Republican | Abraham Baldwin (GA at-large) | 1 | 1.25 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 80 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 41 | >50 |

### December 1799

An election for speaker took place on December 2, 1799, at the start of the 6th Congress, following the 1798–99 elections in which Federalists won a majority of the seats. Theodore Sedgwick received a majority of the votes cast in the 2nd ballot and was elected speaker.
1799 election for speaker :
| December 2, 1799 – 1st Ballot |||||
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Federalist | Theodore Sedgwick (MA 1) | 42 | 49.41 |
| | Democratic-Republican | Nathaniel Macon (NC 5) | 27 | 31.76 |
| | Federalist | George Dent (MD 1) | 13 | 15.30 |
| | Federalist | John Rutledge Jr. (SC 2) | 2 | 2.36 |
| | Democratic-Republican | Thomas Sumter (SC 4) | 1 | 1.17 |
| Total votes: | Total votes: | Total votes: | 85 | 100 |
| Votes necessary: | Votes necessary: | Votes necessary: | 43 | >50 |
| December 2, 1799 – 2nd ballot |||||
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Federalist | Theodore Sedgwick (MA 1) | 44 | 51.16 |
| | Democratic-Republican | Nathaniel Macon (NC 5) | 38 | 46.51 |
| | Federalist | George Dent (MD 1) | 3 | 1.75 |
| | Federalist | John Rutledge Jr. (SC 2) | 1 | 0.58 |
| Total votes: | Total votes: | Total votes: | 86 | 100 |
| Votes necessary: | Votes necessary: | Votes necessary: | 44 | >50 |

## Elections from 1801 to 1899
### December 1801

An election for speaker took place on December 7, 1801, at the start of the 7th Congress, following the 1800–01 elections in which Democratic-Republicans won a majority of the seats. Nathaniel Macon received a majority of the votes cast and was elected speaker.
1801 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic-Republican | Nathaniel Macon (NC 5) | 53 | 65.43 |
| | Federalist | James A. Bayard (DE at-large) | 26 | 32.10 |
| | Federalist | John C. Smith (CT at-large) | 2 | 2.47 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 81 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 41 | >50 |

### October 1803

An election for speaker took place on October 17, 1803, at the start of the 8th Congress, following the 1802–03 elections in which Democratic-Republicans won a majority of the seats. Nathaniel Macon received a majority of the votes cast and was re-elected speaker.
1803 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic-Republican | Nathaniel Macon (NC 6) (incumbent) | 76 | 71.03 |
| | Democratic-Republican | Joseph Varnum (MA 4) | 30 | 28.04 |
| | Democratic-Republican | John Dawson (VA 10) | 1 | 0.93 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 107 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 054 | >50 |

### December 1805

An election for speaker took place on December 2, 1805, at the start of the 9th Congress, following the 1804–05 elections in which the Democratic-Republicans won a majority of the seats. Nathaniel Macon received a majority of the votes cast in the 3rd ballot and was re-elected speaker. A number of Democratic-Republicans did not support Macon's bid for a third term as he had broken ranks with President Jefferson and aligned himself with the splinter Quids faction.
1805 election for speaker :
| December 2, 1805 – 1st ballot |||||
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic-Republican | Nathaniel Macon (NC 6) (incumbent) | 51 | 48.58 |
| | Democratic-Republican | Joseph Varnum (MA 4) | 26 | 24.76 |
| | Federalist | John C. Smith (CT at-large) | 16 | 15.24 |
| | Democratic-Republican | John Dawson (VA 10) | 10 | 9.52 |
| | Democratic-Republican | Andrew Gregg (PA 5) | 2 | 1.90 |
| Total votes: | Total votes: | Total votes: | 105 | 100 |
| Votes necessary: | Votes necessary: | Votes necessary: | 053 | >50 |
| December 2, 1805 – 3rd ballot |||||
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic-Republican | Nathaniel Macon (NC 6) (incumbent) | 58 | 54.71 |
| | Democratic-Republican | Joseph Varnum (MA 4) | 23 | 21.70 |
| | Federalist | John C. Smith (CT at-large) | 18 | 16.98 |
| | Democratic-Republican | John Dawson (VA 10) | 3 | 2.83 |
| | Democratic-Republican | Andrew Gregg (PA 5) | 2 | 1.89 |
| | — | Others | 2 | 1.89 |
| Total votes: | Total votes: | Total votes: | 106 | 100 |
| Votes necessary: | Votes necessary: | Votes necessary: | 054 | >50 |

### October 1807

An election for speaker took place on October 26, 1807, at the start of the 10th Congress, following the 1806–07 elections in which Democratic-Republicans won a majority of the seats. Joseph B. Varnum received a majority of the votes cast and was elected speaker.
1807 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic-Republican | Joseph Varnum (MA 4) | 59 | 50.43 |
| | Federalist | Charles Goldsborough (MD 8) | 17 | 14.53 |
| | Democratic-Republican | Burwell Bassett (VA 12) | 17 | 14.53 |
| | Democratic-Republican | Josiah Masters (NY 10) | 8 | 6.84 |
| | Democratic-Republican | Thomas Blount (NC 3) | 7 | 5.98 |
| | — | Others | 9 | 7.69 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 117 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 059 | >50 |

### May 1809

An election for speaker took place on May 22, 1809, at the start of the 11th Congress, following the 1808–09 elections in which the Democratic-Republicans won a majority of the seats. On the first ballot, Joseph Varnum received 60 of the 118 votes cast for individuals. In addition to these, two ballots were returned blank. The question arose over whether or not the blank ballots counted. If they were, then the total number of votes cast would be 120, making the threshold for election 61. If they were not, then the threshold would be 60 (of 118), thus making Varnum the winner. After a brief debate a motion to proceed with a second ballot was approved. Varnum received a majority of the votes cast in the 2nd ballot and was re-elected speaker.
1809 election for speaker :
| May 22, 1809 – 1st Ballot |||||
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic-Republican | Joseph Varnum (MA 4) (incumbent) | 60 | 50.00 |
| | Democratic-Republican | Nathaniel Macon (NC 6) | 36 | 30.00 |
| | Federalist | Timothy Pitkin (CT at-large) | 20 | 16.67 |
| | Democratic-Republican | Roger Nelson (MD 4) | 1 | 0.83 |
| | Federalist | Charles Goldsborough (MD 8) | 1 | 0.83 |
| | — | Blank | 2 | 1.67 |
| Total votes: | Total votes: | Total votes: | 120 | 100 |
| Votes necessary: | Votes necessary: | Votes necessary: | 061 | >50 |
| May 22, 1809 – 2nd ballot |||||
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic-Republican | Joseph Varnum (MA 4) (incumbent) | 65 | 54.62 |
| | Democratic-Republican | Nathaniel Macon (NC 6) | 45 | 37.82 |
| | Federalist | Timothy Pitkin (CT at-large) | 6 | 5.04 |
| | Democratic-Republican | Benjamin Howard (KY 5) | 1 | 0.84 |
| | Democratic-Republican | Roger Nelson (MD 4) | 1 | 0.84 |
| | Federalist | Charles Goldsborough (MD 8) | 1 | 0.84 |
| Total votes: | Total votes: | Total votes: | 119 | 100 |
| Votes necessary: | Votes necessary: | Votes necessary: | 060 | >50 |

### November 1811

An election for speaker took place on November 4, 1811, at the start of the 12th Congress, following the 1810–11 elections in which Democratic-Republicans won a majority of the seats. Henry Clay, a freshman congressman, received a majority of the votes cast and was elected speaker. This marks the only time in American History a Speaker of the House was elected on their first ever day on its floor.
1811 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic-Republican | Henry Clay (KY 2) | 75 | 63.03 |
| | Democratic-Republican | William W. Bibb (GA at-large) | 38 | 31.93 |
| | Democratic-Republican | Nathaniel Macon (NC 6) | 3 | 2.52 |
| | Democratic-Republican | Hugh Nelson (VA 21) | 2 | 1.68 |
| | Democratic-Republican | Burwell Bassett (VA 12) | 1 | 0.84 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 119 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 060 | >50 |

### May 1813

An election for speaker took place on May 24, 1813, at the start of the 13th Congress, following the 1812–13 elections in which Democratic-Republicans won a majority of the seats. Henry Clay received a majority of the votes cast and was re-elected speaker.
1813 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic-Republican | Henry Clay (KY 5) (incumbent) | 89 | 60.13 |
| | Federalist | Timothy Pitkin (CT at-large) | 54 | 36.49 |
| | — | Others | 5 | 3.38 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 148 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 075 | >50 |

### January 1814

On January 19, 1814, during the second session of the 13th Congress, Henry Clay resigned as speaker to accept a commission from President James Madison to serve as a negotiator for a peace agreement to end the War of 1812. Later that day, an intra-term election for a new speaker was held. Langdon Cheves received a majority of the votes cast and was elected speaker.
1814 special election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic-Republican | Langdon Cheves (SC 1) | 94 | 56.97 |
| | Democratic-Republican | Felix Grundy (TN 5) | 59 | 35.76 |
| | — | Others | 12 | 7.27 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 165 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 83 | >50 |

### December 1815

An election for speaker took place on December 4, 1815, at the start of the 14th Congress following the 1814–15 elections in which Democratic-Republicans won a majority of the seats. Elected again to the House, former speaker Henry Clay received a majority of the votes cast and was elected speaker.
1815 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic-Republican | Henry Clay (KY 2) | 87 | 71.31 |
| | Democratic-Republican | Hugh Nelson (VA 22) | 13 | 10.65 |
| | Federalist | Timothy Pitkin (CT at-large) | 9 | 7.38 |
| | Democratic-Republican | Nathaniel Macon (NC 6) | 7 | 5.74 |
| | Federalist | Joseph Lewis Jr. (VA 8) | 2 | 1.64 |
| | Federalist | Timothy Pickering (MA 3) | 1 | 0.82 |
| | — | Blank | 3 | 2.46 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 122 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 62 | >50 |

### December 1817

An election for speaker took place on December 1, 1817, at the start of the 15th Congress following the 1816–17 elections in which Democratic-Republicans won a majority of the seats. In a near-unanimous vote, Henry Clay was re-elected speaker.
1817 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic-Republican | Henry Clay (KY 2) (incumbent) | 143 | 95.33 |
| | Democratic-Republican | Samuel Smith (MD 5) | 6 | 4.00 |
| | — | Blank | 1 | 0.67 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 150 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 76 | >50 |

### December 1819

An election for speaker took place on December 6, 1819, at the start of the 16th Congress following the 1818–19 elections in which Democratic-Republicans won a majority of the seats. In a near-unanimous vote, Henry Clay was re-elected speaker.
1819 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic-Republican | Henry Clay (KY 2) (incumbent) | 147 | 94.84 |
| | — | Others | 8 | 5.16 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 155 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 78 | >50 |

### November 1820

In October 1820, between the first and the second session of the 16th Congress, Henry Clay resigned as speaker so he could return to his private law practice; he kept his House seat however, until his term ended the following March (he had not run for re-election in 1820). Consequently, an intra-term election for a new speaker was held on November 13–15, 1820. Coming as it did less than a year after the rancorous Missouri statehood debate, the choice of Clay's successor became mired in the continuing national debate between Northerners and Southerners over the expansion of slavery into territories and future states. The chief candidate of Northern antislavery members, John W. Taylor of New York, finally received a majority of the votes cast in the 22nd ballot and was elected speaker. In addition to discord over slavery, Taylor's path to victory was made even more difficult by a division within that state's congressional delegation between supporters of Governor DeWitt Clinton and those who opposed him (known as the Bucktails).
1820 special election for speaker :
| November 13, 1820 – 1st ballot |||||
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic-Republican | John W. Taylor (NY 11) | 40 | 30.30 |
| | Democratic-Republican | William Lowndes (SC 2) | 34 | 25.75 |
| | Democratic-Republican | Samuel Smith (MD 5) | 27 | 20.45 |
| | Federalist | John Sergeant (PA 1) | 18 | 13.65 |
| | Democratic-Republican | Hugh Nelson (VA 22) | 10 | 7.58 |
| | — | Others | 3 | 2.27 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 132 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 67 | >50 |
| November 15, 1820 – 22nd ballot |||||
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic-Republican | John W. Taylor (NY 11) | 76 | 51.35 |
| | Democratic-Republican | William Lowndes (SC 2) | 44 | 29.73 |
| | Democratic-Republican | Samuel Smith (MD 5) | 27 | 18.25 |
| | — | Others | 1 | 0.67 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 148 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 75 | >50 |

### December 1821

An election for speaker took place December 3–4, 1821, at the start of the 17th Congress, following the 1820–21 elections in which the Democratic-Republicans won a majority of the seats. Philip P. Barbour received a majority of the votes cast in the 12th ballot and was elected speaker.
1821 election for speaker :
| December 3, 1821 – 1st ballot |||||
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic-Republican | John W. Taylor (NY 11) (incumbent) | 60 | 37.26 |
| | Democratic-Republican | Caesar A. Rodney (DE at-large) | 45 | 27.95 |
| | Federalist | Louis McLane (DE at-large) | 29 | 18.01 |
| | Democratic-Republican | Samuel Smith (MD 5) | 20 | 12.42 |
| | Democratic-Republican | Hugh Nelson (VA 22) | 5 | 3.11 |
| | — | Others | 2 | 1.24 |
| Total votes: | Total votes: | Total votes: | 161 | 100 |
| Votes necessary: | Votes necessary: | Votes necessary: | 081 | >50 |
| December 4, 1821 – 12th ballot |||||
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic-Republican | Philip P. Barbour (VA 11) | 88 | 51.16 |
| | Democratic-Republican | John W. Taylor (NY 11) (incumbent) | 67 | 38.95 |
| | Democratic-Republican | Henry Baldwin (PA 14) | 6 | 3.49 |
| | Democratic-Republican | Samuel Smith (MD 5) | 4 | 2.33 |
| | Democratic-Republican | Caesar A. Rodney (DE at-large) | 3 | 1.74 |
| | — | Others | 4 | 2.33 |
| Total votes: | Total votes: | Total votes: | 172 | 100 |
| Votes necessary: | Votes necessary: | Votes necessary: | 087 | >50 |

### December 1823

An election for speaker took place on December 1, 1823, at the start of the 18th Congress following the 1822–23 elections in which Democratic-Republicans won a majority of the seats. Elected again to the House, former speaker Henry Clay received a majority of the votes cast and was elected speaker.
1823 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic-Republican | Henry Clay (KY 3) | 139 | 76.80 |
| | Democratic-Republican | Philip P. Barbour (VA 11) (incumbent) | 42 | 23.20 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 181 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 91 | >50 |

### December 1825

An election for speaker took place on December 5, 1825, at the start of the 19th Congress, following the 1824–25 elections and the 1825 presidential contingent election. In the aftermath of these elections, the Democratic-Republican Party rapidly splintered between those who supported the new president, John Quincy Adams, and those who supported Andrew Jackson. Representatives who supported Adams held a slim majority in the House. Former speaker John W. Taylor received a majority of the votes cast in the 2nd ballot and was elected speaker.
1825 election for speaker :
| December 5, 1825 – 1st ballot |||||
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Adams | John W. Taylor (NY 17) | 89 | 45.88 |
| | Adams | John W. Campbell (OH 5) | 41 | 21.13 |
| | Jackson | Louis McLane (DE at-large) | 36 | 18.55 |
| | Jackson | Andrew Stevenson (VA 16) | 17 | 8.76 |
| | Adams | Lewis Condict (NJ at-large) | 6 | 3.10 |
| | — | Others | 5 | 2.58 |
| Total votes: | Total votes: | Total votes: | 194 | 100 |
| Votes necessary: | Votes necessary: | Votes necessary: | 098 | >50 |
| December 5, 1825 – 2nd ballot |||||
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Adams | John W. Taylor (NY 17) | 99 | 51.30 |
| | Jackson | Louis McLane (DE at-large) | 44 | 22.80 |
| | Adams | John W. Campbell (OH 5) | 42 | 21.76 |
| | Jackson | Andrew Stevenson (VA 16) | 5 | 2.59 |
| | — | Others | 3 | 1.55 |
| Total votes: | Total votes: | Total votes: | 193 | 100 |
| Votes necessary: | Votes necessary: | Votes necessary: | 097 | >50 |

### December 1827

An election for speaker took place on December 3, 1827, at the start of the 20th Congress following the 1826–27 elections in which Jacksonians, candidates supporting Andrew Jackson in opposition to President John Quincy Adams won a majority of the seats. Andrew Stevenson won a majority of the votes cast and was elected speaker.
1827 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Jacksonian | Andrew Stevenson (VA 16) | 104 | 50.73 |
| | Anti-Jacksonian | John W. Taylor (NY 17) (incumbent) | 94 | 45.86 |
| | Jacksonian | Philip P. Barbour (VA 11) | 4 | 1.95 |
| | — | Others | 3 | 1.46 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 205 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 103 | >50 |

### December 1829

An election for speaker took place on December 7, 1829, at the start of the 21st Congress following the 1828–29 elections in which Jacksonians, candidates supporting now-President Andrew Jackson won a majority of the seats. Andrew Stevenson won a majority of the votes cast and was re-elected speaker.
1829 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Jacksonian | Andrew Stevenson (VA 16) (incumbent) | 152 | 79.58 |
| | — | Others | 39 | 20.42 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 191 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 96 | >50 |

### December 1831

An election for speaker took place on December 5, 1831, at the start of the 22nd Congress following the 1830–31 elections in which Jacksonians won a majority of the seats. Andrew Stevenson won a majority of the votes cast and was re-elected speaker.
1831 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Jacksonian | Andrew Stevenson (VA 16) (incumbent) | 98 | 50.26 |
| | Jacksonian | Joel B. Sutherland (PA 1) | 54 | 27.69 |
| | Anti-Jacksonian | John W. Taylor (NY 17) | 18 | 9.23 |
| | Jacksonian | Charles A. Wickliffe (KY 9) | 15 | 7.69 |
| | Anti-Jacksonian | Lewis Condict (NJ 1) | 4 | 2.05 |
| | — | Others | 6 | 3.08 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 195 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 98 | >50 |

### December 1833

An election for speaker took place on December 2, 1833, at the start of the 23rd Congress following the 1832–33 elections in which Jacksonians won a majority of the seats. Andrew Stevenson won a majority of the votes cast and was re-elected speaker.
1833 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Jacksonian | Andrew Stevenson (VA 11) (incumbent) | 142 | 65.44 |
| | Anti-Jacksonian | Lewis Williams (NC 13) | 39 | 17.97 |
| | Anti-Jacksonian | Edward Everett (MA 4) | 15 | 6.91 |
| | Jacksonian | John Bell (TN 7) | 4 | 1.84 |
| | — | Others | 9 | 4.15 |
| | — | Blank | 8 | 3.69 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 217 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 109 | >50 |

### June 1834

In June 1834, Andrew Stevenson resigned as speaker of the House and from Congress to accept President Andrew Jackson's nomination as the U.S. minister to the United Kingdom. Consequently, an intra-term election for a new speaker was held on June 2, 1834, during the 23rd Congress. The president favored James K. Polk for the post, but when members of his "Kitchen Cabinet" went to Capitol Hill and lobbied on Polk's behalf, they were rebuffed. Perceived as an encroachment upon a constitutional prerogative of the House, the effort to influence the vote splintered Jacksonian party unity and energized the opposition. John Bell ultimately received a majority of the votes cast in the 10th ballot and was elected speaker.
1834 special election for speaker :
| June 2, 1834 – 1st ballot |||||
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Jacksonian | Richard H. Wilde (GA at-large) | 64 | 29.09 |
| | Jacksonian | James K. Polk (TN 9) | 42 | 19.09 |
| | Jacksonian | Joel B. Sutherland (PA 1) | 34 | 15.45 |
| | Jacksonian | John Bell (TN 7) | 30 | 13.64 |
| | Jacksonian | Jesse Speight (NC 4) | 18 | 8.18 |
| | Jacksonian | James M. Wayne (GA at-large) | 15 | 6.82 |
| | Anti-Jacksonian | Lewis Williams (NC 13) | 4 | 1.82 |
| | Anti-Jacksonian | Edward Everett (MA 4) | 3 | 1.36 |
| | — | Others | 6 | 2.73 |
| | — | Blank | 4 | 1.82 |
| Total votes: | Total votes: | Total votes: | 220 | 100 |
| Votes necessary: | Votes necessary: | Votes necessary: | 111 | >50 |
| June 2, 1834 – 10th ballot |||||
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Jacksonian | John Bell (TN 7) | 114 | 52.29 |
| | Jacksonian | James K. Polk (TN 9) | 78 | 35.78 |
| | Jacksonian | Richard H. Wilde (GA at-large) | 11 | 5.05 |
| | Jacksonian | James M. Wayne (GA at-large) | 6 | 2.75 |
| | Jacksonian | Joel B. Sutherland (PA 1) | 2 | 0.92 |
| | Jacksonian | Jesse Speight (NC 4) | 1 | 0.46 |
| | — | Blank | 6 | 2.75 |
| Total votes: | Total votes: | Total votes: | 218 | 100 |
| Votes necessary: | Votes necessary: | Votes necessary: | 110 | >50 |

### December 1835

An election for speaker took place on December 7, 1835, at the start of the 24th Congress, following the 1834–35 elections in which Jacksonians won a majority of the seats. James K. Polk won a majority of the votes cast and was elected speaker.
1835 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Jacksonian | James K. Polk (TN 9) | 132 | 58.67 |
| | Anti-Jacksonian | John Bell (TN 7) (incumbent) | 84 | 37.33 |
| | Anti-Jacksonian | Charles F. Mercer (VA 14) | 3 | 1.33 |
| | Anti-Masonic | John Quincy Adams (MA 12) | 2 | 0.89 |
| | Anti-Jacksonian | Francis Granger (NY 26) | 1 | 0.44 |
| | — | Blank | 3 | 1.33 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 225 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 113 | >50 |

### September 1837

An election for speaker took place on September 4, 1837, at the start of the 25th Congress, following the 1836–37 elections in which Democrats won a majority of the seats. James K. Polk won a majority of the votes cast and was re-elected speaker.
1837 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | James K. Polk (TN 9) (incumbent) | 116 | 51.79 |
| | Whig | John Bell (TN 7) | 103 | 45.98 |
| | — | Others | 5 | 2.23 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 224 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 113 | >50 |

### December 1839

An election for speaker took place December 14–16, 1839, at the start of the 26th Congress, following the 1838–39 elections in which the Democrats won a slim majority of the seats. Balloting was delayed for two weeks as Democrats and Whigs contested the seating of five representatives-elect from New Jersey, commencing only after the House resolved not to seat either delegation immediately. Once underway, the narrowly divided House was unable to make a quick choice. Finally, on the 11th ballot, Robert M. T. Hunter received a majority of the votes cast and was elected speaker.
1839 election for speaker :
| December 14, 1839 – 1st ballot |||||
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | John W. Jones (VA 3) | 113 | 48.09 |
| | Whig | John Bell (TN 7) | 102 | 43.40 |
| | Whig | William Dawson (GA at-large) | 11 | 4.68 |
| | Democratic | Francis W. Pickens (SC 5) | 5 | 2.13 |
| | Democratic | Dixon H. Lewis (AL 4) | 3 | 1.28 |
| | Conservative | George W. Hopkins (VA 18) | 1 | 0.42 |
| Total votes: | Total votes: | Total votes: | 235 | 100 |
| Votes necessary: | Votes necessary: | Votes necessary: | 118 | >50 |
| December 16, 1839 – 11th ballot |||||
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Whig | Robert M. T. Hunter (VA 9) | 119 | 51.29 |
| | Democratic | John W. Jones (VA 3) | 55 | 23.71 |
| | Democratic | George M. Keim (PA 9) | 24 | 10.35 |
| | Democratic | Zadok Casey (IL 2) | 10 | 4.31 |
| | Democratic | Francis W. Pickens (SC 5) | 9 | 3.88 |
| | Democratic | Francis Thomas (MD 6) | 3 | 1.29 |
| | — | Others | 12 | 5.17 |
| Total votes: | Total votes: | Total votes: | 232 | 100 |
| Votes necessary: | Votes necessary: | Votes necessary: | 117 | >50 |

### May 1841

An election for speaker took place on May 31, 1841, at the start of the 27th Congress, following the 1840–41 elections in which Whigs won a majority of the seats. John White won a majority of the votes cast and was elected speaker.
1841 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Whig | John White (KY 9) | 121 | 54.75 |
| | Democratic | John W. Jones (VA 3) | 84 | 38.01 |
| | Whig | Henry A. Wise (VA 8) | 8 | 3.62 |
| | Whig | Joseph Lawrence (PA 21) | 5 | 2.26 |
| | Whig | George N. Briggs (MA 7) | 1 | 0.45 |
| | Democratic | Nathan Clifford (ME 1) | 1 | 0.45 |
| | Whig | William C. Johnson (MD 5) | 1 | 0.45 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 221 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 111 | >50 |

### December 1843

An election for speaker took place on December 4, 1843, at the start of the 28th United States Congress following the 1842–43 elections in which Democrats won a majority of the seats. John W. Jones received a majority of the votes cast and was elected speaker.
1843 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | John W. Jones (VA 6) | 128 | 68.09 |
| | Whig | John White (KY 6) (incumbent) | 59 | 31.38 |
| | Democratic | William Wilkins (PA 21) | 1 | 0.53 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 188 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 95 | >50 |

### December 1845

An election for speaker took place on December 1, 1845, at the start of the 29th United States Congress following the 1844–45 elections in which Democrats won a majority of the seats. John W. Davis received a majority of the votes cast and was elected speaker.
1845 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | John W. Davis (IN 6) | 119 | 56.67 |
| | Whig | Samuel F. Vinton (OH 12) | 72 | 34.29 |
| | Democratic | Moses Norris (NH at-large) | 9 | 4.28 |
| | American | William S. Miller (NY 3) | 5 | 2.38 |
| | — | Others | 5 | 2.38 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 210 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 106 | >50 |

### December 1847

An election for speaker took place on December 6, 1847, at the start of the 30th Congress, following the 1846–47 elections in which the Whigs won a slim majority of the seats. Robert C. Winthrop received a majority of the votes cast in the 3rd ballot and was elected speaker. The election became a multi-ballot affair when a few "Conscience Whigs" initially refused to support Winthrop because he rejected their demand for a pledge to constitute key House committees so as to favor the reporting of antislavery legislation.
1847 election for speaker :
| December 6, 1847 – 1st ballot |||||
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Whig | Robert C. Winthrop (MA 1) | 108 | 49.09 |
| | Democratic | Linn Boyd (KY 1) | 61 | 27.73 |
| | Democratic | Robert McClelland (MI 1) | 23 | 10.45 |
| | Democratic | John A. McClernard (IL 2) | 11 | 5.00 |
| | Democratic | James McKay (NC 6) | 5 | 2.27 |
| | Democratic | Howell Cobb (GA 6) | 3 | 1.37 |
| | Whig | James Wilson (NH 3) | 2 | 0.91 |
| | — | Others | 7 | 3.18 |
| Total votes: | Total votes: | Total votes: | 220 | 100 |
| Votes necessary: | Votes necessary: | Votes necessary: | 111 | >50 |
| December 6, 1847 – 3rd ballot |||||
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Whig | Robert C. Winthrop (MA 1) | 110 | 50.46 |
| | Democratic | Linn Boyd (KY 1) | 64 | 29.36 |
| | Democratic | Robert McClelland (MI 1) | 14 | 6.42 |
| | Democratic | John A. McClernard (IL 2) | 8 | 3.67 |
| | Democratic | Robert Rhett (SC 7) | 7 | 3.21 |
| | Democratic | Armistead Burt (SC 5) | 4 | 1.83 |
| | Democratic | Howell Cobb (GA 6) | 4 | 1.83 |
| | Whig | James Wilson (NH 3) | 2 | 0.92 |
| | — | Others | 5 | 2.30 |
| Total votes: | Total votes: | Total votes: | 218 | 100 |
| Votes necessary: | Votes necessary: | Votes necessary: | 110 | >50 |

### December 1849

An election for speaker took place December 3–22, 1849, at the start of the 31st Congress, following the 1848–49 elections in which the Democrats won a slim majority of the seats. Divisions within both the Democratic Party and Whig Party over slavery plus the presence of the new Single-issue antislavery Free Soil Party led to pandemonium in the House and a protracted struggle to elect a speaker. After 59 ballots without a majority choice, the House adopted a plurality rule stating that, if after three more ballots no-one garnered a majority of the votes, the person receiving the highest number of votes on the next ensuing ballot would be declared to have been chosen speaker. On the decisive 63rd ballot, Howell Cobb received the most votes, 102 votes out of 221, or nine less than a majority, and was elected speaker. Altogether, 94 individual congressmen received votes in this election.
1849 election for speaker :
| December 3, 1849 – 1st ballot |||||
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Howell Cobb (GA 6) | 103 | 46.61 |
| | Whig | Robert C. Winthrop (MA 1) (incumbent) | 96 | 43.44 |
| | Free Soil | David Wilmot (PA 12) | 8 | 3.62 |
| | Whig | Meredith P. Gentry (TN 7) | 6 | 2.71 |
| | Whig | Horace Mann (MA 8) | 2 | 0.91 |
| | — | Others | 6 | 2.71 |
| Total votes: | Total votes: | Total votes: | 221 | 100 |
| Votes necessary: | Votes necessary: | Votes necessary: | 111 | >50 |
| December 22, 1849 – 63rd ballot |||||
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Howell Cobb (GA 6) | 102 | 46.16 |
| | Whig | Robert C. Winthrop (MA 1) (incumbent) | 99 | 44.80 |
| | Free Soil | David Wilmot (PA 12) | 8 | 3.62 |
| | Whig | Charles S. Morehead (KY 8) | 4 | 1.81 |
| | Democratic | William Strong (PA 9) | 3 | 1.34 |
| | — | Others | 5 | 2.27 |
| Total votes: | Total votes: | Total votes: | 221 | 100 |
| Votes necessary: | Votes necessary: | Votes necessary: | Plurality | Plurality |

### December 1851

An election for speaker took place on December 1, 1851, at the start of the 32nd Congress following the 1850–51 elections in which Democrats won a majority of the seats. Linn Boyd received a majority of the votes cast and was elected speaker.
1851 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Linn Boyd (KY 1) | 118 | 55.40 |
| | Whig | Edward Stanly (NC 8) | 21 | 9.86 |
| | Whig | Joseph R. Chandler (PA 2) | 20 | 9.39 |
| | Whig | Thaddeus Stevens (PA 8) | 16 | 7.51 |
| | Democratic | Thomas H. Bayly (VA 7) | 8 | 3.75 |
| | Whig | John L. Taylor (OH 8) | 6 | 2.82 |
| | Whig | Alexander Evans (MD 5) | 4 | 1.88 |
| | Democratic | Thomas S. Bocock (VA 4) | 4 | 1.88 |
| | Whig | Meredith P. Gentry (TN 7) | 3 | 1.41 |
| | Union | Junius Hillyer (GA 6) | 2 | 0.94 |
| | — | Others | 11 | 5.16 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 213 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 107 | >50 |

### December 1853

An election for speaker took place on December 5, 1853, at the start of the 33rd Congress following the 1852–53 elections in which Democrats won a majority of the seats. Linn Boyd received a majority of the votes cast and was re-elected speaker.
1853 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Linn Boyd (KY 1) (incumbent) | 143 | 65.90 |
| | Whig | Joseph R. Chandler (PA 2) | 35 | 6.13 |
| | Whig | Lewis D. Campbell (OH 8) | 11 | 5.07 |
| | Whig | Presley Ewing (KY 3) | 7 | 3.23 |
| | Whig | Solomon G. Haven (NY 32) | 6 | 2.77 |
| | Democratic | James L. Orr (SC 5) | 4 | 1.84 |
| | Whig | William Preston (KY 7) | 3 | 1.38 |
| | Whig | John G. Miller (MO 5) | 3 | 1.38 |
| | Whig | Thomas M. Howe (PA 22) | 2 | 0.92 |
| | — | Others | 3 | 1.38 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 217 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 109 | >50 |

### December 1855 – February 1856

An election for speaker took place over the course of two months, December 3, 1855, through February 2, 1856, at the start of the 34th Congress, following the 1854–55 elections in which candidates primarily in Northern states running on various fusion tickets—included members from the Whig, Free Soil and American parties, along with members of the nascent Republican Party—grouped together under the Opposition Party label, won a majority of the seats. This new, but transitional, party sprang-up amid the fallout from the Kansas–Nebraska Act (approved by Congress in mid 1854), which had sparked violence over slavery in Kansas and hardened sectional positions on the subject. Personal views on slavery drove members' words and actions during this protracted electoral contest. After 129 ballots without a majority choice, the House once again adopted a plurality rule to break the deadlock. On the decisive 133rd ballot, Nathaniel P. Banks received the most votes, 103 votes out of 214, or five less than a majority, and was elected speaker. A record 135 individual congressmen (nearly 58% of the House's membership), received votes in this, the longest speaker election in House history.
1855–56 election for speaker :
| December 3, 1855 – 1st ballot |||||
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | William A. Richardson (IL 5) | 74 | 32.89 |
| | Opposition | Lewis D. Campbell (OH 3) | 53 | 23.56 |
| | American | Humphrey Marshall (KY 7) | 30 | 13.34 |
| | American | Nathaniel P. Banks (MA 7) | 21 | 9.33 |
| | Opposition | Henry M. Fuller (PA 11) | 17 | 7.56 |
| | Opposition | Alexander Pennington (NJ 5) | 7 | 3.11 |
| | Opposition | Aaron Harlan (OH 7) | 3 | 1.33 |
| | Democratic | John Wheeler (NY 6) | 3 | 1.33 |
| | American | Benjamin B. Thurston (RI 2) | 3 | 1.33 |
| | Opposition | Israel Washburn Jr. (ME 5) | 2 | 0.89 |
| | Opposition | William A. Howard (MI 1) | 2 | 0.89 |
| | — | Others | 10 | 4.44 |
| Total votes: | Total votes: | Total votes: | 225 | 100 |
| Votes necessary: | Votes necessary: | Votes necessary: | 113 | >50 |
| February 2, 1856 – 133rd ballot |||||
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | American | Nathaniel P. Banks (MA 7) | 103 | 48.13 |
| | Democratic | William Aiken Jr. (SC 2) | 100 | 46.73 |
| | Opposition | Henry M. Fuller (PA 11) | 6 | 2.80 |
| | Opposition | Lewis D. Campbell (OH 3) | 4 | 1.87 |
| | Democratic | Daniel Wells Jr. (WI 1) | 1 | 0.47 |
| Total votes: | Total votes: | Total votes: | 214 | 100 |
| Votes necessary: | Votes necessary: | Votes necessary: | Plurality | Plurality |

### December 1857

An election for speaker took place on December 7, 1857, at the start of the 35th Congress, following the 1856–57 elections in which Democrats won a majority of the seats. James L. Orr received a majority of the votes cast and was elected speaker.
1857 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | James L. Orr (SC 5) | 128 | 56.89 |
| | Republican | Galusha A. Grow (PA 14) | 84 | 37.33 |
| | American | Felix Zollicoffer (TN 8) | 3 | 1.33 |
| | Republican | Lewis D. Campbell (OH 3) | 3 | 1.33 |
| | American | H. Winter Davis (MD 4) | 2 | 0.90 |
| | American | James B. Ricaud (MD 2) | 2 | 0.90 |
| | American | Humphrey Marshall (KY 7) | 1 | 0.44 |
| | Republican | Francis P. Blair Jr. (MO 1) | 1 | 0.44 |
| | Republican | Valentine B. Horton (OH 11) | 1 | 0.44 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 225 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 113 | >50 |

### December 1859 – February 1860

An election for speaker took place over the course of eight weeks, December 5, 1859, through February 1, 1860, at the start of the 36th Congress, following the 1858–59 elections in which the Republicans won a plurality of the seats. William Pennington, a freshman congressman, received a majority of the votes cast in the 44th ballot and was elected speaker. In total, 90 representatives received at least one vote during the election. The bitter election dispute deepened the rift between slave states and free states and helped push Southern political leaders further toward secession.
1859–60 election for speaker :
| December 5, 1859 – 1st ballot |||||
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Thomas S. Bocock (VA 5) | 86 | 37.40 |
| | Republican | John Sherman (OH 13) | 66 | 28.70 |
| | Republican | Galusha A. Grow (PA 14) | 43 | 18.70 |
| | Opposition | Alexander Boteler (VA 8) | 14 | 6.08 |
| | Opposition | Thomas A. R. Nelson (TN 1) | 5 | 2.17 |
| | Opposition | John A. Gilmer (NC 5) | 3 | 1.30 |
| | Anti-Lecompton Democrat | Garnett Adrain (NJ 3) | 2 | 0.87 |
| | Anti-Lecompton Democrat | John G. Davis (IN 7) | 2 | 0.87 |
| | Anti-Lecompton Democrat | John B. Haskin (NY 9) | 2 | 0.87 |
| | — | Others | 7 | 3.04 |
| Total votes: | Total votes: | Total votes: | 230 | 100 |
| Votes necessary: | Votes necessary: | Votes necessary: | 116 | >50 |
| February 1, 1860 – 44th ballot |||||
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | William Pennington (NJ 5) | 117 | 50.22 |
| | Democratic | John A. McClernand (IL 6) | 85 | 36.48 |
| | Opposition | John A. Gilmer (NC 5) | 16 | 6.86 |
| | Democratic | Martin J. Crawford (GA 2) | 4 | 1.72 |
| | Opposition | William N. H. Smith (NC 1) | 4 | 1.72 |
| | Democratic | John McQueen (SC 1) | 2 | 0.86 |
| | — | Others | 5 | 2.14 |
| Total votes: | Total votes: | Total votes: | 233 | 100 |
| Votes necessary: | Votes necessary: | Votes necessary: | 117 | >50 |

### July 1861

An election for speaker took place on July 4, 1861, at the start of the 37th Congress, following the 1860–61 elections in which Republicans won a majority of the seats, and the subsequent secession of several states from the Union at the outset of the Civil War. Galusha A. Grow received a majority of the votes cast on the first ballot and was elected speaker, but only after his chief opponent, Francis Preston Blair Jr., withdrew following the roll call vote, at which time 28 votes shifted to Grow.
1861 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Galusha A. Grow (PA 14) | 99 | 62.27 |
| | Union | John J. Crittenden (KY 8) | 12 | 7.55 |
| | Republican | Francis P. Blair Jr. (MO 1) | 11 | 6.91 |
| | Democratic | John S. Phelps (MO 6) | 7 | 4.40 |
| | Democratic | Clement Vallandingham (OH 3) | 7 | 4.40 |
| | Democratic | Erastus Corning (NY 14) | 7 | 4.40 |
| | Democratic | Samuel S. Cox (OH 12) | 6 | 3.77 |
| | Democratic | William A. Richardson (IL 5) | 3 | 1.89 |
| | Democratic | John A. McClernand (IL 6) | 2 | 1.26 |
| | Union | Charles B. Calvert (MD 6) | 1 | 0.63 |
| | Union | John W. Crisfield (MD 1) | 1 | 0.63 |
| | Democratic | John W. Noell (MO 7) | 1 | 0.63 |
| | Democratic | George H. Pendleton (OH 1) | 1 | 0.63 |
| | Democratic | Hendrick B. Wright (PA 12) | 1 | 0.63 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 159 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 080 | >50 |

### December 1863

An election for speaker took place on December 7, 1863, at the start of the 38th Congress, following the 1862–63 elections in which Republicans won only a plurality of the seats, but retained control of the House with the assistance of Unconditional Union members. Schuyler Colfax received a majority of the votes cast and was elected speaker.
1863 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Schuyler Colfax (IN 9) | 101 | 55.49 |
| | Democratic | Samuel S. Cox (OH 12) | 42 | 23.08 |
| | Democratic | John L. Dawson (PA 21) | 12 | 6.59 |
| | Union | Robert Mallory (KY 5) | 10 | 5.49 |
| | Democratic | Henry G. Stebbins (NY 1) | 8 | 4.40 |
| | Union | Austin A. King (MO 1) | 6 | 3.30 |
| | Republican | Francis P. Blair Jr. (MO 6) | 2 | 1.10 |
| | Democratic | John D. Stiles (PA 6) | 1 | 0.55 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 182 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 092 | >50 |

### December 1865

An election for speaker took place on December 4, 1865, at the start of the 39th Congress, following the 1864–65 elections in which Republicans won a majority of the seats. Schuyler Colfax received a majority of the votes cast and was re-elected speaker.
1865 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Schuyler Colfax (IN 9) (incumbent) | 139 | 79.43 |
| | Democratic | James Brooks (NY 8) | 36 | 20.57 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 175 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 088 | >50 |

### March 1867

An election for speaker took place on March 4, 1867, at the start of the 40th Congress, following the 1866–67 elections in which Republicans won a majority of the seats. Schuyler Colfax received a majority of the votes cast and was re-elected speaker.
1867 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Schuyler Colfax (IN 9) (incumbent) | 127 | 80.89 |
| | Democratic | Samuel S. Marshall (IL 11) | 30 | 19.11 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 157 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 079 | >50 |

### March 1869 (40th Congress)

On March 3, 1869, the final full day of the 40th Congress, Schuyler Colfax, who was to be sworn into office as the nation's 17th vice president the next day, resigned as speaker. Immediately afterward, the House passed a motion declaring Theodore Pomeroy duly elected speaker in place of Colfax (for one day).
1869 special election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Theodore M. Pomeroy (NY 24) | Voice | U C |

### March 1869 (41st Congress)

An election for speaker took place on March 4, 1869, at the start of the 41st Congress, following the 1868–69 elections in which Republicans won a majority of the seats. James G. Blaine received a majority of the votes cast and was elected speaker.
1869 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | James G. Blaine (ME 3) | 135 | 70.31 |
| | Democratic | Michael C. Kerr (IN 2) | 57 | 29.69 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 192 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 097 | >50 |

### March 1871

An election for speaker took place on March 4, 1871, at the start of the 42nd Congress, following the 1870–71 elections in which Republicans won a majority of the seats. James G. Blaine received a majority of the votes cast and was re-elected speaker.
1871 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | James G. Blaine (ME 3) (incumbent) | 126 | 57.80 |
| | Democratic | George W. Morgan (OH 13) | 92 | 42.20 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 218 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 110 | >50 |

### December 1873

An election for speaker took place on December 1, 1873, at the start of the 43rd Congress, following the 1872–73 elections in which Republicans won a majority of the seats. James G. Blaine received a majority of the votes cast and was re-elected speaker.
1873 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | James G. Blaine (ME 3) (incumbent) | 189 | 70.26 |
| | Democratic | Fernando Wood (NY 9) | 76 | 28.25 |
| | Democratic | Samuel S. Cox (NY 6) | 2 | 0.75 |
| | Democratic | Hiester Clymer (PA 8) | 1 | 0.37 |
| | Democratic | Alexander H. Stephens (GA 8) | 1 | 0.37 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 269 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 135 | >50 |

### December 1875

An election for speaker took place on December 6, 1875, at the start of the 44th Congress, following the 1874–75 elections in which Democrats won a majority of the seats. Michael C. Kerr, who had just returned to Congress after losing re-election two years earlier, received a majority of the votes cast and was elected speaker. This was the first time in 16 years, since 1859, that Democrats controlled the House.
1875 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Michael C. Kerr (IN 3) | 173 | 61.35 |
| | Republican | James G. Blaine (ME 3) (incumbent) | 106 | 37.59 |
| | Democratic | Alpheus S. Williams (MI 1) | 1 | 0.35 |
| | Independent | William B. Anderson (IL 19) | 1 | 0.35 |
| | Independent | Alexander Campbell (IL 7) | 1 | 0.35 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 282 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 142 | >50 |

### December 1876

Michael C. Kerr died on August 19, 1876, between the first and second sessions of the 44th Congress. Consequently, an intra-term election for a new speaker was held on December 4, 1876, when Congress reconvened. Samuel J. Randall received a majority of the votes cast and was elected speaker.
1876 special election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Samuel J. Randall (PA 3) | 162 | 65.59 |
| | Republican | James A. Garfield (OH 19) | 82 | 33.20 |
| | Republican | Charles G. Williams (WI 1) | 1 | 0.4 |
| | Republican | George F. Hoar (MA 2) | 1 | 0.4 |
| | Democratic | William Ralls Morrison (IL 17) | 1 | 0.4 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 247 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 124 | >50 |

### October 1877

An election for speaker took place on October 15, 1877, at the start of the 45th Congress, following the 1876–77 elections in which Democrats won a majority of the seats, and the electoral crisis spawned by the contentious 1876 presidential election. Samuel J. Randall received a majority of the votes cast and was re-elected speaker.
1877 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Samuel J. Randall (PA 3) (incumbent) | 149 | 53.03 |
| | Republican | James A. Garfield (OH 19) | 132 | 46.97 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 281 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 141 | >50 |

### March 1879

An election for speaker took place on March 18, 1879, at the start of the 46th Congress, following the 1878–79 elections in which Democrats won only a plurality of the seats, but retained control of power with the help of several Independent Democrats. Samuel J. Randall received a slim majority of the votes cast and was re-elected speaker.
1879 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Samuel J. Randall (PA 3) (incumbent) | 144 | 50.88 |
| | Republican | James A. Garfield (OH 19) | 125 | 44.17 |
| | Greenback | Hendrick B. Wright (PA 12) | 13 | 4.59 |
| | Republican | William D. Kelley (PA 4) | 1 | 0.35 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 283 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 142 | >50 |

### December 1881

An election for speaker took place on December 5, 1881, at the start of the 47th Congress following the 1880 elections in which Republicans won a majority of the seats. J. Warren Keifer won a majority of the votes cast and was elected speaker.
1881 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | J. Warren Keifer (OH 8) | 148 | 51.93 |
| | Democratic | Samuel J. Randall (PA 3) (incumbent) | 129 | 45.26 |
| | Greenback | Nicholas Ford (MO 9) | 8 | 2.81 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 285 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 143 | >50 |

### December 1883

An election for speaker took place on December 3, 1883, at the start of the 48th Congress following the 1882 elections in which Democrats won a majority of the seats. John G. Carlisle received a majority of the votes cast and was elected speaker.
1883 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | John G. Carlisle (KY 6) | 190 | 61.69 |
| | Republican | J. Warren Keifer (OH 8) (incumbent) | 113 | 36.69 |
| | Republican | George D. Robinson (MA 12) | 2 | 0.66 |
| | Republican | James W. Wadsworth (NY 27) | 1 | 0.32 |
| | Republican | Edward S. Lacey (MI 3) | 1 | 0.32 |
| | Readjuster | John S. Wise (VA at-large) | 1 | 0.32 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 308 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 155 | >50 |

### December 1885

An election for speaker took place on December 7, 1885, at the start of the 49th Congress following the 1884 elections in which Democrats won a majority of the seats. John G. Carlisle received a majority of the votes cast and was re-elected speaker.
1885 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | John G. Carlisle (KY 6) (incumbent) | 178 | 56.33 |
| | Republican | Thomas B. Reed (ME 1) | 138 | 43.67 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 316 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 159 | >50 |

### December 1887

An election for speaker took place on December 5, 1887, at the start of the 50th Congress following the 1886 elections in which Democrats won a majority of the seats. John G. Carlisle received a majority of the votes cast and was re-elected speaker.
1887 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | John G. Carlisle (KY 6) (incumbent) | 163 | 52.24 |
| | Republican | Thomas B. Reed (ME 1) | 147 | 47.12 |
| | Republican | Charles N. Brumm (PA 13) | 2 | 0.64 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 312 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 157 | >50 |

### December 1889

An election for speaker took place on December 2, 1889, at the start of the 51st Congress following the 1888 elections in which Republicans won a majority of the seats. Thomas B. Reed received a majority of the votes cast and was elected speaker.
1889 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Thomas B. Reed (ME 1) | 166 | 51.71 |
| | Democratic | John G. Carlisle (KY 6) (incumbent) | 154 | 47.98 |
| | Democratic | Amos J. Cummings (PA 9) | 1 | 0.31 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 321 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 161 | >50 |

### December 1891

An election for speaker took place on December 8, 1891, at the start of the 52nd Congress following the 1890 elections in which Democrats won a majority of the seats. Charles F. Crisp received a majority of the votes cast and was elected speaker.
1891 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Charles F. Crisp (GA 3) | 228 | 71.47 |
| | Republican | Thomas B. Reed (ME 1) (incumbent) | 83 | 26.02 |
| | Populist | Thomas E. Watson (GA 10) | 8 | 2.51 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 319 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 160 | >50 |

### August 1893

An election for speaker took place on August 7, 1893, at the start of the 53rd Congress following the 1892 elections in which Democrats won a majority of the seats. Charles F. Crisp received a majority of the votes cast and was re-elected speaker.
1893 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Charles F. Crisp (GA 3) (incumbent) | 213 | 62.46 |
| | Republican | Thomas B. Reed (ME 1) | 121 | 35.49 |
| | Populist | Jerry Simpson (KS 7) | 7 | 2.05 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 341 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 171 | >50 |

### December 1895

An election for speaker took place on December 2, 1895, at the start of the 54th Congress following the 1894 elections in which Republicans won a majority of the seats. Former speaker Thomas B. Reed received a majority of the votes cast and was elected speaker.
1895 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Thomas B. Reed (ME 1) | 240 | 70.18 |
| | Democratic | Charles F. Crisp (GA 3) (incumbent) | 95 | 27.78 |
| | Populist | John C. Bell (CO 2) | 6 | 1.75 |
| | Democratic | David B. Culberson (TX 4) | 1 | 0.29 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 342 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 172 | >50 |

### March 1897

An election for speaker took place on March 15, 1897, at the start of the 55th Congress following the 1896 elections in which Republicans won a majority of the seats. Thomas B. Reed received a majority of the votes cast and was re-elected speaker.
1897 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Thomas B. Reed (ME 1) (incumbent) | 200 | 59.52 |
| | Democratic | Joseph W. Bailey (TX 4) | 114 | 33.93 |
| | Populist | John C. Bell (CO 2) | 21 | 6.25 |
| | Silver | Francis G. Newlands (NV at-large) | 1 | 0.30 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 336 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 169 | >50 |

### December 1899

An election for speaker took place on December 4, 1899, at the start of the 56th Congress following the 1898 elections in which Republicans won a majority of the seats. David B. Henderson received a majority of the votes cast and was elected speaker.
1898 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | David B. Henderson (IA 3) | 177 | 52.68 |
| | Democratic | James D. Richardson (TN 5) | 153 | 45.54 |
| | Populist | John C. Bell (CO 2) | 4 | 1.19 |
| | Silver | Francis G. Newlands (NV at-large) | 2 | 0.59 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 336 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 169 | >50 |

## Elections from 1901 to 1999
### December 1901

An election for speaker took place on December 2, 1901, at the start of the 57th Congress following the 1900 elections in which Republicans won a majority of the seats. David B. Henderson received a majority of the votes cast and was re-elected speaker.
1901 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | David B. Henderson (IA 3) (incumbent) | 192 | 55.49 |
| | Democratic | James D. Richardson (TN 5) | 152 | 43.93 |
| | Populist | William L. Stark (NE 4) | 1 | 0.29 |
| | Democratic | Amos J. Cummings (NY 10) | 1 | 0.29 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 346 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 174 | >50 |

### November 1903

An election for speaker took place on November 9, 1903, at the start of the 58th Congress following the 1902 elections in which Republicans won a majority of the seats. Joseph Cannon received a majority of the votes cast and was elected speaker.
1903 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Joseph Cannon (IL 12) | 198 | 54.25 |
| | Democratic | John Williams (MS 8) | 167 | 45.75 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 365 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 183 | >50 |

### December 1905

An election for speaker took place on December 4, 1905, at the start of the 59th Congress following the 1904 elections in which Republicans won a majority of the seats. Joseph Cannon received a majority of the votes cast and was re-elected speaker.
1905 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Joseph Cannon (IL 18) (incumbent) | 243 | 65.50 |
| | Democratic | John Williams (MS 8) | 128 | 34.50 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 371 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 186 | >50 |

### December 1907

An election for speaker took place on December 2, 1907, at the start of the 60th Congress following the 1906 elections in which Republicans won a majority of the seats. Joseph Cannon received a majority of the votes cast and was re-elected speaker.
1907 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Joseph Cannon (IL 18) (incumbent) | 213 | 56.80 |
| | Democratic | John Williams (MS 8) | 162 | 43.20 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 375 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 188 | >50 |

### March 1909

An election for speaker took place on March 15, 1909, at the start of the 61st Congress following the 1908 elections in which Republicans won a majority of the seats. Joseph Cannon received a majority of the votes cast and was re-elected speaker. Cannon's election to a fourth term as speaker was challenged by a group of dissatisfied progressive Republicans, who voted for other people.
1909 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Joseph Cannon (IL 18) (incumbent) | 204 | 53.40 |
| | Democratic | Champ Clark (MO 9) | 166 | 43.46 |
| | Republican | Henry A. Cooper (WI 1) | 8 | 2.10 |
| | Republican | George W. Norris (NE 5) | 2 | 0.52 |
| | Republican | John J. Esch (WI 7) | 1 | 0.26 |
| | Republican | William P. Hepburn (IA 8) | 1 | 0.26 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 382 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 192 | >50 |

### April 1911

An election for speaker took place on April 4, 1911, at the start of the 62nd Congress following the 1910 elections in which Democrats won a majority of the seats. Champ Clark received a majority of the votes cast and was elected speaker. This was the first time in 16 years, since 1895, that Democrats controlled the House.
1911 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Champ Clark (MO 9) | 220 | 59.78 |
| | Republican | James R. Mann (IL 2) | 131 | 35.60 |
| | Republican | Henry A. Cooper (WI 1) | 16 | 4.35 |
| | Republican | George W. Norris (NE 5) | 1 | 0.27 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 368 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 185 | >50 |

### April 1913

An election for speaker took place on April 7, 1913, at the start of the 63rd Congress following the 1912 elections in which Democrats won a majority of the seats. Champ Clark received a majority of the votes cast and was re-elected speaker.
1913 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Champ Clark (MO 9) (incumbent) | 272 | 66.99 |
| | Republican | James R. Mann (IL 2) | 111 | 27.34 |
| | Republican | Victor Murdock (KS 8) | 18 | 4.43 |
| | Republican | Henry A. Cooper (WI 1) | 4 | 0.99 |
| | Republican | John M. Nelson (WI 3) | 1 | 0.25 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 406 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 204 | >50 |

### December 1915

An election for speaker took place on December 6, 1915, at the start of the 64th Congress following the 1914 elections in which Democrats won a majority of the seats. Champ Clark received a majority of the votes cast and was re-elected speaker.
1915 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Champ Clark (MO 9) (incumbent) | 222 | 52.61 |
| | Republican | James R. Mann (IL 2) | 195 | 46.21 |
| | — | Present | 5 | 1.18 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 422 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 212 | >50 |

### April 1917

An election for speaker took place on April 2, 1917, at the start of the 65th Congress following 1916 elections in which Republicans won a plurality of the seats. Even so, Champ Clark received a majority of the votes cast and was re-elected speaker. Democrats were able to retain control of the House by forming a Coalition with third-party (Progressive, Prohibition and Socialist) members.
1917 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Champ Clark (MO 9) (incumbent) | 217 | 50.70 |
| | Republican | James R. Mann (IL 2) | 205 | 47.89 |
| | Republican | Frederick H. Gillett (MA 2) | 2 | 0.47 |
| | Republican | Irvine Lenroot (WI 11) | 2 | 0.47 |
| | — | Present | 2 | 0.47 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 428 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 215 | >50 |

### May 1919

An election for speaker took place on May 19, 1919, at the start of the 66th Congress following 1918 elections in which Republicans won a majority of the seats. Frederick H. Gillett received a majority of the votes cast and was elected speaker.
1919 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Frederick H. Gillett (MA 2) | 228 | 57.00 |
| | Democratic | Champ Clark (MO 9) (incumbent) | 172 | 43.00 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 400 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 201 | >50 |

### April 1921

An election for speaker took place on April 11, 1921, at the start of the 67th Congress following 1920 elections in which Republicans won a majority of the seats. Frederick H. Gillett received a majority of the votes cast and was re-elected speaker.
1921 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Frederick H. Gillett (MA 2) (incumbent) | 297 | 70.01 |
| | Democratic | Claude Kitchin (NC 2) | 122 | 29.05 |
| | — | Present | 1 | 0.24 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 420 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 211 | >50 |

### December 1923

An election for speaker took place December 3–5, 1923, at the start of the 68th Congress, following the 1922 elections in which the Republicans won a majority of the seats. Frederick H. Gillett received a majority of the votes cast in the 9th ballot and was re-elected speaker. Progressive Republicans had refused to support Gillett for the first eight ballots. Only after winning concessions from Republican conference leaders (a seat on the House Rules Committee and a pledge that requested House rules changes would be considered) did they agree to support him.
1923 election for speaker :
| December 3, 1923 – 1st ballot |||||
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Frederick H. Gillett (MA 2) (incumbent) | 197 | 47.58 |
| | Democratic | Finis J. Garrett (TN 9) | 195 | 47.10 |
| | Republican | Henry A. Cooper (WI 1) | 17 | 4.11 |
| | Republican | Martin B. Madden (IL 1) | 5 | 1.21 |
| Total votes: | Total votes: | Total votes: | 414 | 100 |
| Votes necessary: | Votes necessary: | Votes necessary: | 208 | >50 |
| December 5, 1923 – 9th ballot |||||
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Frederick H. Gillett (MA 2) (incumbent) | 215 | 51.94 |
| | Democratic | Finis J. Garrett (TN 9) | 197 | 47.58 |
| | Republican | Martin B. Madden (IL 1) | 2 | 0.48 |
| Total votes: | Total votes: | Total votes: | 414 | 100 |
| Votes necessary: | Votes necessary: | Votes necessary: | 208 | >50 |

### December 1925

An election for speaker took place on December 7, 1925, at the start of the 69th Congress following 1924 elections in which Republicans won a majority of the seats. Nicholas Longworth received a majority of the votes cast and was elected speaker, even though progressive Republicans refused to vote for him.
1925 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Nicholas Longworth (OH 1) | 229 | 54.52 |
| | Democratic | Finis J. Garrett (TN 9) | 173 | 41.19 |
| | Republican | Henry A. Cooper (WI 1) | 13 | 3.10 |
| | — | Present | 5 | 1.19 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 420 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 211 | >50 |

### December 1927

An election for speaker took place on December 5, 1927, at the start of the 70th Congress following 1926 elections in which Republicans won a majority of the seats. Nicholas Longworth received a majority of the votes cast and was re-elected speaker.
1927 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Nicholas Longworth (OH 1) (incumbent) | 225 | 53.96 |
| | Democratic | Finis J. Garrett (TN 9) | 177 | 42.44 |
| | — | Present | 5 | 1.20 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 417 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 209 | >50 |

### April 1929

An election for speaker took place on April 15, 1929, at the start of the 71st Congress following 1928 elections in which Republicans won a majority of the seats. Nicholas Longworth received a majority of the votes cast and was re-elected speaker.
1929 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Nicholas Longworth (OH 1) (incumbent) | 254 | 63.82 |
| | Democratic | John N. Garner (TX 15) | 143 | 35.93 |
| | — | Present | 1 | 0.25 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 398 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 200 | >50 |

### December 1931

An election for speaker took place on December 7, 1931, at the start of the 72nd Congress, following the 1930 elections in which Republicans won a one-seat majority. However, during the 13 months between Election Day and the start of the new Congress, 14 members-elect died, including the incumbent speaker, Nicholas Longworth, who died on April 9, 1931. After the Republicans lost four of the special elections called to fill the vacancies, when Congress convened, the Democrats held a three-seat majority in the House. John N. Garner received a majority of the votes cast and was elected speaker.
1931 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | John N. Garner (TX 15) | 218 | 50.69 |
| | Republican | Bertrand Snell (NY 31) | 207 | 48.14 |
| | Republican | George J. Schneider (WI 9) | 5 | 1.17 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 430 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 216 | >50 |

### March 1933

An election for speaker took place on March 9, 1933, at the start of the 73rd Congress, following the 1932 elections in which Democrats won a majority of the seats. Henry T. Rainey received a majority of the votes cast and was elected speaker.
1933 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Henry T. Rainey (IL 20) | 302 | 72.25 |
| | Republican | Bertrand Snell (NY 31) | 110 | 26.32 |
| | Farmer–Labor | Paul J. Kvale (MN at-large) | 5 | 1.19 |
| | — | Present | 1 | 0.24 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 418 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 210 | >50 |

### January 1935

An election for speaker took place on January 3, 1935, on the opening day of the 74th Congress, two months after the 1934 elections in which Democrats won a majority of the seats. Joseph Byrns received a majority of the votes cast and was elected speaker.
1935 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Joseph Byrns (TN 5) | 317 | 74.41 |
| | Republican | Bertrand Snell (NY 31) | 95 | 22.30 |
| | Progressive | George J. Schneider (WI 8) | 9 | 2.11 |
| | Republican | William P. Lambertson (KS 1) | 2 | 0.47 |
| | — | Present | 3 | 0.71 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 426 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 214 | >50 |

### June 1936

Speaker Joseph W. Byrns died suddenly in the early hours of June 4, 1936, during the 74th Congress. Consequently, when the House convened that day, a resolution declaring William B. Bankhead duly elected speaker was adopted by voice vote.
1936 special election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | William B. Bankhead (AL 7) | Voice | U C |

### January 1937

An election for speaker took place on January 5, 1937, on the opening day of the 75th Congress, two months after the 1936 elections in which Democrats won a majority of the seats. William B. Bankhead received a majority of the votes cast and was re-elected speaker.
1937 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | William B. Bankhead (AL 7) (incumbent) | 324 | 76.78 |
| | Republican | Bertrand Snell (NY 31) | 83 | 19.67 |
| | Progressive | George J. Schneider (WI 8) | 10 | 2.37 |
| | Republican | Fred L. Crawford (MI 8) | 2 | 0.47 |
| | — | Present | 3 | 0.71 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 421 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 211 | >50 |

### January 1939

An election for speaker took place on January 3, 1939, on the opening day of the 76th Congress, two months after the 1938 elections in which Democrats won a majority of the seats. William B. Bankhead received a majority of the votes cast and was re-elected speaker.
1939 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | William B. Bankhead (AL 7) (incumbent) | 249 | 59.29 |
| | Republican | Joseph W. Martin Jr. (MA 14) | 168 | 40.00 |
| | Progressive | Merlin Hull (WI 9) | 1 | 0.24 |
| | Progressive | Bernard J. Gehrmann (WI 10) | 1 | 0.24 |
| | — | Present | 1 | 0.24 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 420 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 211 | >50 |

### September 1940

Speaker William B. Bankhead died on September 15, 1940, during the 76th Congress. Accordingly, when the House convened the next day, a resolution declaring Sam Rayburn duly elected speaker was adopted by voice vote.
1940 special election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Sam Rayburn (TX 4) | Voice | U C |

### January 1941

An election for speaker took place on January 3, 1941, on the opening day of the 77th Congress, two months after the 1940 elections in which Democrats won a majority of the seats. Sam Rayburn received a majority of the votes cast and was re-elected speaker.
1941 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Sam Rayburn (TX 4) (incumbent) | 247 | 60.24 |
| | Republican | Joseph W. Martin Jr. (MA 14) | 159 | 38.79 |
| | Progressive | Merlin Hull (WI 9) | 2 | 0.49 |
| | Progressive | Bernard J. Gehrmann (WI 10) | 1 | 0.24 |
| | — | Present | 1 | 0.24 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 410 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 206 | >50 |

### January 1943

An election for speaker took place on January 6, 1943, on the opening day of the 78th Congress, two months after the 1942 elections in which Democrats won a majority of the seats. Sam Rayburn received a majority of the votes cast and was re-elected speaker.
1943 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Sam Rayburn (TX 4) (incumbent) | 217 | 50.93 |
| | Republican | Joseph W. Martin Jr. (MA 14) | 206 | 48.35 |
| | Progressive | Merlin Hull (WI 9) | 1 | 0.24 |
| | Progressive | Harry Sauthoff (WI 2) | 1 | 0.24 |
| | — | Present | 1 | 0.24 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 426 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 214 | >50 |

### January 1945

An election for speaker took place on January 3, 1945, on the opening day of the 79th Congress, two months after the 1944 elections in which Democrats won a majority of the seats. Sam Rayburn received a majority of the votes cast and was re-elected speaker.
1945 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Sam Rayburn (TX 4) (incumbent) | 224 | 56.85 |
| | Republican | Joseph W. Martin Jr. (MA 14) | 168 | 42.64 |
| | — | Present | 2 | 0.51 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 394 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 198 | >50 |

### January 1947

An election for speaker took place on January 3, 1947, on the opening day of the 80th Congress, two months after the 1946 elections in which Republicans won a majority of the seats. Joseph W. Martin Jr. received a majority of the votes cast and was elected speaker. This was the first time in 16 years, since 1931, that Republicans controlled the House.
1947 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Joseph W. Martin Jr. (MA 14) | 244 | 57.28 |
| | Democratic | Sam Rayburn (TX 4) (incumbent) | 182 | 42.72 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 426 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 214 | >50 |

### January 1949

An election for speaker took place on January 3, 1949, on the opening day of the 81st Congress, two months after the 1948 elections in which Democrats won a majority of the seats. Former speaker Sam Rayburn received a majority of the votes cast and was elected speaker.
1949 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Sam Rayburn (TX 4) | 255 | 61.30 |
| | Republican | Joseph W. Martin Jr. (MA 14) (incumbent) | 160 | 38.46 |
| | — | Present | 1 | 0.24 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 416 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 209 | >50 |

### January 1951

An election for speaker took place on January 3, 1951, on the opening day of the 82nd Congress, two months after the 1950 elections in which Democrats won a majority of the seats. Sam Rayburn received a majority of the votes cast and was re-elected speaker.
1951 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Sam Rayburn (TX 4) (incumbent) | 231 | 54.23 |
| | Republican | Joseph W. Martin Jr. (MA 14) | 192 | 45.07 |
| | — | Present | 3 | 0.70 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 426 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 214 | >50 |

### January 1953

An election for speaker took place on January 3, 1953, on the opening day of the 83rd Congress, two months after the 1952 elections in which Republicans won a majority of the seats. Former speaker Joseph W. Martin Jr. received a majority of the votes cast and was elected speaker.
1953 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Joseph W. Martin Jr. (MA 14) | 220 | 51.89 |
| | Democratic | Sam Rayburn (TX 4) (incumbent) | 201 | 47.41 |
| | — | Present | 3 | 0.70 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 424 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 213 | >50 |

### January 1955

An election for speaker took place on January 5, 1955, on the opening day of the 84th Congress, two months after the 1954 elections in which Democrats won a majority of the seats. Former speaker Sam Rayburn received a majority of the votes cast and was elected speaker, becoming the first member since Henry Clay in the 1820s to have a third stint as speaker.
1955 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Sam Rayburn (TX 4) | 228 | 53.52 |
| | Republican | Joseph W. Martin Jr. (MA 14) (incumbent) | 198 | 46.48 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 426 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 214 | >50 |

### January 1957

An election for speaker took place on January 3, 1957, on the opening day of the 85th Congress, two months after the 1956 elections in which Democrats won a majority of the seats. Sam Rayburn received a majority of the votes cast and was re-elected speaker.
1957 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Sam Rayburn (TX 4) (incumbent) | 227 | 53.04 |
| | Republican | Joseph W. Martin Jr. (MA 14) | 199 | 46.49 |
| | — | Present | 2 | 0.47 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 428 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 215 | >50 |

### January 1959

An election for speaker took place on January 7, 1959, on the opening day of the 86th Congress, two months after the 1958 elections in which Democrats won a majority of the seats. Sam Rayburn received a majority of the votes cast and was re-elected speaker.
1959 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Sam Rayburn (TX 4) (incumbent) | 281 | 65.19 |
| | Republican | Charles A. Halleck (IN 2) | 148 | 34.35 |
| | — | Present | 2 | 0.46 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 431 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 216 | >50 |

### January 1961

An election for speaker took place on January 3, 1961, on the opening day of the 87th Congress, two months after the 1960 elections in which Democrats won a majority of the seats. Sam Rayburn received a majority of the votes cast and was re-elected speaker.
1961 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Sam Rayburn (TX 4) (incumbent) | 258 | 60.00 |
| | Republican | Charles A. Halleck (IN 2) | 170 | 39.54 |
| | — | Present | 2 | 0.46 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 430 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 216 | >50 |

### January 1962

Sam Rayburn died on November 16, 1961, between the first and second sessions of 87th Congress. Consequently, an intra-term election for a new speaker was held on January 10, 1962, when Congress reconvened. John W. McCormack received a majority of the votes cast and was elected speaker.
1962 special election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | John W. McCormack (MA 9) | 248 | 59.90 |
| | Republican | Charles A. Halleck (IN 2) | 166 | 40.10 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 414 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 208 | >50 |

### January 1963

An election for speaker took place on January 9, 1963, on the opening day of the 88th Congress, two months after the 1962 elections in which Democrats won a majority of the seats. John W. McCormack received a majority of the votes cast and was re-elected speaker.
1963 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | John W. McCormack (MA 9) (incumbent) | 256 | 59.12 |
| | Republican | Charles A. Halleck (IN 2) | 175 | 40.42 |
| | — | Present | 2 | 0.46 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 433 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 217 | >50 |

### January 1965

An election for speaker took place on January 4, 1965, on the opening day of the 89th Congress, two months after the 1964 elections in which Democrats won a majority of the seats. John W. McCormack received a majority of the votes cast and was re-elected speaker.
1965 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | John W. McCormack (MA 9) (incumbent) | 289 | 67.52 |
| | Republican | Gerald Ford (MI 5) | 139 | 32.48 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 428 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 215 | >50 |

### January 1967

An election for speaker took place on January 10, 1967, on the opening day of the 90th Congress, two months after the 1966 elections in which Democrats won a majority of the seats. John W. McCormack received a majority of the votes cast and was re-elected speaker.
1967 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | John W. McCormack (MA 9) (incumbent) | 246 | 56.94 |
| | Republican | Gerald Ford (MI 5) | 186 | 43.06 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 432 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 217 | >50 |

### January 1969

An election for speaker took place on January 3, 1969, on the opening day of the 91st Congress, two months after the 1968 elections in which Democrats won a majority of the seats. John W. McCormack received a majority of the votes cast and was re-elected speaker.
1969 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | John W. McCormack (MA 9) (incumbent) | 241 | 56.31 |
| | Republican | Gerald Ford (MI 5) | 187 | 43.69 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 428 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 215 | >50 |

### January 1971

An election for speaker took place on January 21, 1971, on the opening day of the 92nd Congress, two months after the 1970 elections in which Democrats won a majority of the seats. Carl Albert received a majority of the votes cast and was elected speaker.
1971 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Carl Albert (OK 3) | 250 | 58.68 |
| | Republican | Gerald Ford (MI 5) | 176 | 41.32 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 426 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 214 | >50 |

### January 1973

An election for speaker took place on January 3, 1973, on the opening day of the 93rd Congress, two months after the 1972 elections in which Democrats won a majority of the seats. Carl Albert received a majority of the votes cast and was re-elected speaker.
1973 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Carl Albert (OK 3) (incumbent) | 236 | 55.66 |
| | Republican | Gerald Ford (MI 5) | 188 | 44.34 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 424 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 213 | >50 |

### January 1975

An election for speaker took place on January 14, 1975, on the opening day of the 94th Congress, two months after the 1974 elections in which Democrats won a majority of the seats. Carl Albert received a majority of the votes cast and was re-elected speaker.
1975 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Carl Albert (OK 3) (incumbent) | 287 | 66.43 |
| | Republican | John J. Rhodes (AZ 1) | 143 | 33.11 |
| | — | Present | 2 | 0.46 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 432 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 217 | >50 |

### January 1977

An election for speaker took place on January 4, 1977, on the opening day of the 95th Congress, two months after the 1976 elections in which Democrats won a majority of the seats. Tip O'Neill received a majority of the votes cast and was elected speaker.
1977 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Tip O'Neill (MA 8) | 290 | 66.82 |
| | Republican | John J. Rhodes (AZ 1) | 142 | 32.72 |
| | — | Present | 2 | 0.46 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 434 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 218 | >50 |

### January 1979

An election for speaker took place on January 15, 1979, on the opening day of the 96th Congress, two months after the 1978 elections in which Democrats won a majority of the seats. Tip O'Neill received a majority of the votes cast and was re-elected speaker.
1979 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Tip O'Neill (MA 8) (incumbent) | 268 | 63.51 |
| | Republican | John J. Rhodes (AZ 1) | 152 | 36.02 |
| | — | Present | 2 | 0.47 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 422 | 112 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 212 | >50 |

### January 1981

An election for speaker took place on January 5, 1981, on the opening day of the 97th Congress, two months after the 1980 elections in which Democrats won a majority of the seats. Tip O'Neill received a majority of the votes cast and was re-elected speaker.
1981 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Tip O'Neill (MA 8) (incumbent) | 234 | 55.98 |
| | Republican | Robert H. Michel (IL 18) | 182 | 43.54 |
| | — | Present | 2 | 0.48 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 419 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 210 | >50 |

### January 1983

An election for speaker took place on January 3, 1983, on the opening day of the 98th Congress, two months after the 1982 elections in which Democrats won a majority of the seats. Tip O'Neill received a majority of the votes cast and was re-elected speaker.
1983 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Tip O'Neill (MA 8) (incumbent) | 260 | 62.35 |
| | Republican | Robert H. Michel (IL 18) | 155 | 37.17 |
| | — | Present | 2 | 0.48 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 417 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 209 | >50 |

### January 1985

An election for speaker took place on January 3, 1985, on the opening day of the 99th Congress, two months after the 1984 elections in which Democrats won a majority of the seats. Tip O'Neill received a majority of the votes cast and was re-elected speaker.
1985 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Tip O'Neill (MA 8) (incumbent) | 247 | 58.11 |
| | Republican | Robert H. Michel (IL 18) | 175 | 41.18 |
| | — | Present | 3 | 0.71 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 425 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 213 | >50 |

### January 1987

An election for speaker took place on January 6, 1987, on the opening day of the 100th Congress, two months after the 1986 elections in which Democrats won a majority of the seats. Jim Wright received a majority of the votes cast and was elected speaker.
1987 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Jim Wright (TX 12) | 254 | 59.21 |
| | Republican | Robert H. Michel (IL 18) | 173 | 40.33 |
| | — | Present | 2 | 0.46 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 429 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 215 | >50 |

### January 1989

An election for speaker took place on January 3, 1989, on the opening day of the 101st Congress, two months after the 1988 elections in which Democrats won a majority of the seats. Jim Wright received a majority of the votes cast and was re-elected speaker.
1989 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Jim Wright (TX 12) (incumbent) | 253 | 59.53 |
| | Republican | Robert H. Michel (IL 18) | 170 | 40.00 |
| | — | Present | 2 | 0.47 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 425 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 213 | >50 |

### June 1989

In June 1989, Jim Wright resigned as speaker of the House and from Congress amid a House Ethics Committee investigation into his financial dealings. Consequently, an intra-term election for a new speaker was held on June 6, 1989, during the 101st Congress. Tom Foley received a majority of the votes cast and was elected speaker.
1989 special election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Tom Foley (WA 5) | 251 | 60.19 |
| | Republican | Robert H. Michel (IL 18) | 164 | 39.33 |
| | — | Present | 2 | 0.48 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 417 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 209 | >50 |

### January 1991

An election for speaker took place on January 3, 1991, on the opening day of the 102nd Congress, two months after the 1990 elections in which Democrats won a majority of the seats. Tom Foley received a majority of the votes cast and was re-elected speaker.
1991 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Tom Foley (WA 5) (incumbent) | 262 | 61.07 |
| | Republican | Robert H. Michel (IL 18) | 165 | 38.47 |
| | — | Present | 2 | 0.46 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 429 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 215 | >50 |

### January 1993

An election for speaker took place on January 5, 1993, on the opening day of the 103rd Congress, two months after the 1992 elections in which Democrats won a majority of the seats. Tom Foley received a majority of the votes cast and was re-elected speaker.
1993 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Tom Foley (WA 5) (incumbent) | 255 | 59.16 |
| | Republican | Robert H. Michel (IL 18) | 174 | 40.38 |
| | — | Present | 2 | 0.46 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 431 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 216 | >50 |

### January 1995

An election for speaker took place on January 4, 1995, on the opening day of the 104th Congress, two months after the 1994 elections in which Republicans won a majority of the seats. Newt Gingrich received a majority of the votes cast and was elected speaker. This was the first time in 40 years, since 1955, that Republicans controlled the House.
1995 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Newt Gingrich (GA 6) | 228 | 52.54 |
| | Democratic | Dick Gephardt (MO 3) | 202 | 46.55 |
| | — | Present | 4 | 0.91 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 434 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 218 | >50 |

### January 1997

An election for speaker took place on January 7, 1997, on the opening day of the 105th Congress, two months after the 1996 elections in which Republicans won a majority of the seats. Newt Gingrich received a majority of the votes cast and was re-elected speaker. A number of Republicans did not support Gingrich's bid for a second term, and a few of them voted for other people. It was the first time in half a century in which votes were cast for someone besides the Democratic or Republican nominee.
1997 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Newt Gingrich (GA 6) (incumbent) | 216 | 50.83 |
| | Democratic | Dick Gephardt (MO 3) | 205 | 48.24 |
| | Republican | Jim Leach (IA 1) | 2 | 0.47 |
| | Republican | Robert Michel | 1 | 0.23 |
| | Republican | Robert Walker | 1 | 0.23 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 425 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 213 | >50 |

### January 1999

An election for speaker took place on January 6, 1999, on the opening day of the 106th Congress, two months after the 1998 elections in which Republicans won a majority of the seats. Dennis Hastert received a majority of the votes cast and was elected speaker.
1999 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Dennis Hastert (IL 14) | 222 | 52.00 |
| | Democratic | Dick Gephardt (MO 3) | 205 | 48.00 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 427 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 214 | >50 |

## Elections since 2001
### January 2001

An election for speaker took place on January 3, 2001, on the opening day of the 107th Congress, two months after the 2000 elections in which Republicans won a majority of the seats. Dennis Hastert received a majority of the votes cast and was re-elected speaker.
2001 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Dennis Hastert (IL 14) (incumbent) | 222 | 51.50 |
| | Democratic | Dick Gephardt (MO 3) | 206 | 47.80 |
| | Democratic | John Murtha (PA 12) | 1 | 0.23 |
| | — | Present | 2 | 0.47 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 431 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 216 | >50 |

### January 2003

An election for speaker took place on January 7, 2003, on the opening day of the 108th Congress, two months after the 2002 elections in which Republicans won a majority of the seats. Dennis Hastert received a majority of the votes cast and was re-elected speaker.
2003 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Dennis Hastert (IL 14) (incumbent) | 228 | 52.53 |
| | Democratic | Nancy Pelosi (CA 8) | 201 | 46.31 |
| | Democratic | John Murtha (PA 12) | 1 | 0.23 |
| | — | Present | 4 | 0.93 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 434 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 218 | >50 |

### January 2005

An election for speaker took place on January 4, 2005, on the opening day of the 109th Congress, two months after the 2004 elections in which Republicans won a majority of the seats. Dennis Hastert received a majority of the votes cast and was re-elected speaker.
2005 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Dennis Hastert (IL 14) (incumbent) | 226 | 52.92 |
| | Democratic | Nancy Pelosi (CA 8) | 199 | 46.60 |
| | Democratic | John Murtha (PA 12) | 1 | 0.24 |
| | — | Present | 1 | 0.24 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 427 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 214 | >50 |

### January 2007

An election for speaker took place on January 4, 2007, on the opening day of the 110th Congress, two months after the 2006 elections in which Democrats won a majority of the seats. Nancy Pelosi received a majority of the votes cast and was elected speaker, becoming the first woman speaker of the House in U.S. history. This was the first time in 12 years, since 1995, that the Democrats controlled the House.
2007 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Nancy Pelosi (CA 8) | 233 | 53.56 |
| | Republican | John Boehner (OH 8) | 202 | 46.44 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 435 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 218 | >50 |

### January 2009

An election for speaker took place on January 6, 2009, on the opening day of the 111th Congress, two months after the 2008 elections in which Democrats won a majority of the seats. Nancy Pelosi received a majority of the votes cast and was re-elected speaker.
2009 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Nancy Pelosi (CA 8) (incumbent) | 255 | 59.44 |
| | Republican | John Boehner (OH 8) | 174 | 40.56 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 429 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 215 | >50 |

### January 2011

An election for speaker took place on January 5, 2011, at the start of the 112th Congress, two months after the 2010 elections in which Republicans won a majority of the seats. John Boehner received a majority of the votes cast and was elected speaker of the House. Frustrated by widespread election losses, several Blue Dog Democrats, led by Heath Shuler, refused to support Democratic Caucus nominee Nancy Pelosi.
2011 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | John Boehner (OH 8) | 241 | 55.88 |
| | Democratic | Nancy Pelosi (CA 8) (incumbent) | 173 | 39.96 |
| | Democratic | Heath Shuler (NC 11) | 11 | 2.53 |
| | Democratic | John Lewis (GA 5) | 2 | 0.48 |
| | Democratic | Dennis Cardoza (CA 18) | 1 | 0.23 |
| | Democratic | Jim Costa (CA 20) | 1 | 0.23 |
| | Democratic | Jim Cooper (TN 5) | 1 | 0.23 |
| | Democratic | Steny Hoyer (MD 5) | 1 | 0.23 |
| | Democratic | Marcy Kaptur (OH 9) | 1 | 0.23 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 432 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 217 | >50 |

### January 2013

An election for speaker took place on January 3, 2013, at the start of the 113th Congress, two months after the 2012 elections in which Republicans won a majority of the seats. John Boehner received a majority of the votes cast, despite the defections of several members from his own party, and was re-elected speaker.
2013 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | John Boehner (OH 8) (incumbent) | 220 | 51.64 |
| | Democratic | Nancy Pelosi (CA 12) | 192 | 45.04 |
| | Republican | Eric Cantor (VA 7) | 3 | 0.70 |
| | Democratic | Jim Cooper (TN 5) | 2 | 0.47 |
| | Republican | Allen West | 2 | 0.47 |
| | Republican | Justin Amash (MI 3) | 1 | 0.24 |
| | Democratic | John Dingell (MI 12) | 1 | 0.24 |
| | Republican | Jim Jordan (OH 4) | 1 | 0.24 |
| | Republican | Raúl Labrador (ID 1) | 1 | 0.24 |
| | Democratic | John Lewis (GA 5) | 1 | 0.24 |
| | Republican | Colin Powell | 1 | 0.24 |
| | Republican | David Walker | 1 | 0.24 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 426 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 214 | >50 |

### January 2015

An election for speaker took place on January 6, 2015, at the start of the 114th Congress, two months after the 2014 elections in which Republicans won a majority of the seats. John Boehner received a majority of the votes cast and was re-elected speaker, even though Freedom Caucus Republicans chose not to vote for him.
2015 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | John Boehner (OH 8) (incumbent) | 216 | 52.95 |
| | Democratic | Nancy Pelosi (CA 12) | 164 | 40.20 |
| | Republican | Dan Webster (FL 10) | 12 | 2.95 |
| | Republican | Louie Gohmert (TX 1) | 3 | 0.74 |
| | Republican | Ted Yoho (FL 3) | 2 | 2.50 |
| | Republican | Jim Jordan (OH 4) | 2 | 0.50 |
| | Republican | Jeff Duncan (SC 3) | 1 | 0.24 |
| | Republican | Rand Paul | 1 | 0.24 |
| | Republican | Colin Powell | 1 | 0.24 |
| | Republican | Trey Gowdy (SC 4) | 1 | 0.24 |
| | Republican | Kevin McCarthy (CA 23) | 1 | 0.24 |
| | Democratic | Jim Cooper (TN 5) | 1 | 0.24 |
| | Democratic | Peter DeFazio (OR 4) | 1 | 0.24 |
| | Republican | Jeff Sessions | 1 | 0.24 |
| | Democratic | John Lewis (GA 5) | 1 | 0.24 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 408 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 205 | >50 |

### October 2015

On September 25, 2015, John Boehner formally announced his intention to resign from the speakership and the House. Consequently, an intra-term election for a new speaker was held on October 29, 2015, during the 114th Congress. Paul Ryan received a majority of the votes cast and was elected speaker.
2015 special election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Paul Ryan (WI 1) | 236 | 54.63 |
| | Democratic | Nancy Pelosi (CA 12) | 184 | 42.60 |
| | Republican | Dan Webster (FL 10) | 9 | 2.08 |
| | Democratic | Jim Cooper (TN 5) | 1 | 0.23 |
| | Democratic | John Lewis (GA 5) | 1 | 0.23 |
| | Republican | Colin Powell | 1 | 0.23 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 432 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 217 | >50 |

### January 2017

An election for speaker took place on January 3, 2017, on the opening day of the 115th Congress, two months after the 2016 elections in which Republicans won a majority of the seats. Paul Ryan received a majority of the votes cast and was re-elected speaker.
2017 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Paul Ryan (WI 1) (incumbent) | 239 | 55.19 |
| | Democratic | Nancy Pelosi (CA 12) | 189 | 43.65 |
| | Democratic | Tim Ryan (OH 13) | 2 | 0.47 |
| | Democratic | Jim Cooper (TN 5) | 1 | 0.23 |
| | Democratic | John Lewis (GA 5) | 1 | 0.23 |
| | Republican | Dan Webster (FL 10) | 1 | 0.23 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 433 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 217 | >50 |

### January 2019

An election for speaker took place on January 3, 2019, on the opening day of the 116th Congress, two months after the 2018 elections in which Democrats won a majority of the seats. Former speaker Nancy Pelosi received a majority of the votes cast and was elected speaker, even though several Democrats did not vote for her. With this victory, she became the first person since Sam Rayburn in the 1950s to return to the speakership after losing it.
2019 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Nancy Pelosi (CA 12) | 220 | 51.17 |
| | Republican | Kevin McCarthy (CA 23) | 192 | 44.66 |
| | Republican | Jim Jordan (OH 4) | 5 | 1.16 |
| | Democratic | Cheri Bustos (IL 17) | 4 | 0.93 |
| | Democratic | Tammy Duckworth | 2 | 0.47 |
| | Democratic | Stacey Abrams | 1 | 0.23 |
| | Democratic | Joe Biden | 1 | 0.23 |
| | Democratic | Marcia Fudge (OH 11) | 1 | 0.23 |
| | Democratic | Joe Kennedy III (MA 4) | 1 | 0.23 |
| | Democratic | John Lewis (GA 5) | 1 | 0.23 |
| | Republican | Thomas Massie (KY 4) | 1 | 0.23 |
| | Democratic | Stephanie Murphy (FL 7) | 1 | 0.23 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 430 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 216 | >50 |

### January 2021

An election for speaker took place on January 3, 2021, at the start of the 117th Congress, two months after the 2020 elections in which Democrats won a slim majority of the seats. In a break with tradition due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all House members-elect did not gather together in the chamber to vote and record their presence, but rather, were summoned to the chambers in seven groups of about 72 persons. Nancy Pelosi received a majority of the votes cast and was re-elected speaker.
2021 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Nancy Pelosi (CA 12) (incumbent) | 216 | 50.59 |
| | Republican | Kevin McCarthy (CA 23) | 209 | 48.95 |
| | Democratic | Hakeem Jeffries (NY 8) | 1 | 0.23 |
| | Democratic | Tammy Duckworth | 1 | 0.23 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 427 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 214 | >50 |

### January 2023

An election for speaker was held January 3–7, 2023, at the start of the 118th Congress, two months after the 2022 elections in which Republicans gained the House with a thin majority. Kevin McCarthy received a majority of the votes cast in the 15th ballot and was elected speaker. Due to division within the House Republican Conference, no candidate received a majority of the votes on the first ballot, necessitating what became the longest multiple-ballot speaker election since before the Civil War. McCarthy's victory came when the remaining six anti-McCarthy holdouts voted "present" on the 15th ballot, thus reducing the threshold of votes needed for a majority to 215 members. House Democratic Caucus members voted unanimously for Hakeem Jeffries; this was the first time since 2009 that all present Democratic members voted for the caucus's speaker nominee.
2023 election for speaker :
| January 3, 2023 – 1st ballot |||||
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Hakeem Jeffries (NY 8) | 212 | 48.85 |
| | Republican | Kevin McCarthy (CA 20) | 203 | 46.78 |
| | Republican | Andy Biggs (AZ 5) | 10 | 2.30 |
| | Republican | Jim Jordan (OH 4) | 6 | 1.38 |
| | Republican | Jim Banks (IN 3) | 1 | 0.23 |
| | Republican | Byron Donalds (FL 19) | 1 | 0.23 |
| | Republican | Lee Zeldin | 1 | 0.23 |
| Total votes: | Total votes: | Total votes: | 434 | 100 |
| Votes necessary: | Votes necessary: | Votes necessary: | 218 | >50 |
| January 7, 2023 – 15th ballot |||||
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Kevin McCarthy (CA 20) | 216 | 50.47 |
| | Democratic | Hakeem Jeffries (NY 8) | 212 | 49.53 |
| Total votes: | Total votes: | Total votes: | 428 | 100 |
| Votes necessary: | Votes necessary: | Votes necessary: | 215 | >50 |

### October 2023

On October 3, 2023, Kevin McCarthy was removed from the speakership through a motion to vacate. Consequently, an intra-term election for a new speaker was held on October 17–25, during the 118th Congress. Mike Johnson received a majority of the votes cast in the fourth ballot and was elected speaker. He was the fourth person the Republican Conference selected as its nominee for House speaker after Jim Jordan, Steve Scalise, and Tom Emmer were unable to unify conference members around their candidacies.
2023 special election for speaker :
| October 17, 2023 – 1st ballot |||||
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Democratic | Hakeem Jeffries (NY 8) | 212 | 49.07 |
| | Republican | Jim Jordan (OH 4) | 200 | 46.30 |
| | Republican | Steve Scalise (LA 1) | 7 | 1.62 |
| | Republican | Kevin McCarthy (CA 20) | 6 | 1.39 |
| | Republican | Lee Zeldin | 3 | 0.69 |
| | Republican | Tom Cole (OK 4) | 1 | 0.23 |
| | Republican | Tom Emmer (MN 6) | 1 | 0.23 |
| | Republican | Mike Garcia (CA 27) | 1 | 0.23 |
| | Republican | Thomas Massie (KY 4) | 1 | 0.23 |
| Total votes: | Total votes: | Total votes: | 432 | 100 |
| Votes necessary: | Votes necessary: | Votes necessary: | 217 | >50 |
| October 25, 2023 – 4th ballot |||||
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Mike Johnson (LA 4) | 220 | 51.28 |
| | Democratic | Hakeem Jeffries (NY 8) | 209 | 48.72 |
| Total votes: | Total votes: | Total votes: | 429 | 100 |
| Votes necessary: | Votes necessary: | Votes necessary: | 215 | >50 |

### January 2025

An election for speaker was held January 3, 2025, at the start of the 119th Congress, two months after the 2024 elections in which Republicans retained the House with a thin majority. Mike Johnson received a majority of the votes cast on the first ballot and was re-elected speaker, but only after two of the three Republicans who voted against Johnson in the roll call vote switched their votes.
2025 election for speaker :
| Party | Party | Candidate | Votes | % |
| | Republican | Mike Johnson LA 4 (incumbent) | 218 | 50.23 |
| | Democratic | Hakeem Jeffries (NY 8) | 215 | 49.54 |
| | Republican | Tom Emmer (MN 6) | 1 | 0.23 |
| Total votes | Total votes | Total votes | 434 | 100 |
| Votes necessary | Votes necessary | Votes necessary | 218 | >50 |