New Congress live updates: What's next after Kevin McCarthy's speakership win

McCarthy has finally won the speakership after receiving 216 votes.

Republicans erupted into applause and cheers as the victory became apparent around 12:30 a.m.

McCarthy consistently had the most votes of any Republican but was stymied all week by a small but influential group of GOP rebels who opposed his bid.

The California Republican offered a slate of concessions to pave his pathway, including lowering the threshold of support needed to trigger a vote to remove a speaker to just one lawmaker.

Six of the final GOP holdouts voted "present" in the last round, clearing the way for McCarthy to get to a majority.

Lasting 15 rounds and four days, the vote counting took a historic amount of time and was the longest process to name a speaker since before the Civil War.

The process prevented the House from conducting any business, including considering bills, forming committees and even swearing in lawmakers, which put staff pay, meetings with intelligence officials and more at risk. With a speaker now elected, House business can move forward.

House GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy appeared to have finally won the speakership after 15 rounds of voting and a years-long personal quest, a win that would allow the chamber to finally swear in lawmakers and legislate.

The House is voting again to elect a speaker.

Republicans moved to adjourn until Monday after McCarthy fell one vote shy in the 14th round. Rep.-elect Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., introduced the motion but it failed 155-279 -- with several Republicans changing their vote halfway through.

McCarthy clearly thinks he now has the votes.

“Everybody take a seat, let’s go one more time!” McCarthy said.

Arkansas Republican Bruce Westerman rose to nominate McCarthy, saying "the eyes of the world, the eyes of America are on this body right now."

The atmosphere in the chamber turned heated when McCarthy was denied the speakership again, this time by just one vote.

Mike Rogers, R-Ala., moved toward Rep. Matt Gaetz after he voted "present" -- ultimately sinking McCarthy's chance of getting a majority of votes needed. Richard Hudson, R-N.C., covered his mouth and pulled him away.

McCarthy himself appeared caught off guard. When Gaetz voted "present," McCarthy mouthed "we don't win."

It sucked the air out of the room.

One Democrat member yelled "s***." Others groaned or gasped. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, the incoming Democratic caucus leader, said "just another day at the park."

The House is now voting on a motion to adjourn until noon Monday.

--ABC News' Rachel Scott