U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson of NC seen restraining GOP colleague on House floor

North Carolina U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson stopped an argument between Republican colleagues from escalating after a tense vote on the U.S. House floor late Friday.

Posted 4:43 p.m. Jan 7, 2023 — Updated 5:40 p.m. Jan 9, 2023

WASHINGTON — North Carolina U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson stepped in to stop a heated confrontation on the House floor late Friday. The flap, between Florida Republican U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz and Alabama Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, had escalated after a tense vote for the House speaker.

U.S. Rep. Kevin McCarthy was ultimately elected House speaker early Saturday after a 15th vote.

The commotion happened after the 14th vote, when McCarthy fell one vote short. After that unsuccessful vote, the chamber became raucous and unruly, with frustration surfacing at the end of a contentious week on Capitol Hill. McCarthy strode to the back of the chamber to confront Gaetz, who was sitting with Republican U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert of Colorado and others. The atmosphere grew uneasy as fingers were pointed and words exchanged.

At one point, Rogers was seen shouting. He moves closer to Gaetz before Hudson pulled him back. Associated Press images and CSPAN video show Hudson restraining Rogers, putting one hand around his chin and another hand on his shoulder. North Carolina U.S. Rep. Patrick McHenry, a McCarthy ally, is seen nearby in a bow tie.

Hudson didn't immediately respond to a WRAL News request for comment.

The action placed the spotlight on another North Carolina Republican during a week of intraparty discord over the speakership. Earlier in the week, U.S. Rep. Dan Bishop, who represents North Carolina’s 8th Congressional District, was among a band of about 20 Republicans who initially opposed McCarthy's nomination as they sought concessions.

Bishop ultimately shifted his support to McCarthy on Friday after what the congressman described as an agreement that "completes a months-long effort to cause the Republican Conference to reform rules and procedures, commit to specific policy strategies, and improve the distribution of conservative voices across key committees."

McCarthy was finally elected House speaker in a historic, post-midnight 15th vote. The tally was 216-212 with Democrats voting for leader Hakeem Jeffries, and six Republican holdouts to McCarthy simply voting present.

Members of Congress, including North Carolina's delegation, were sworn in early Saturday following McCarthy's election to the speakership.

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