The House of Representatives voted this afternoon to remove Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., from his position, writes NBC NEWS.

The House voted 216-210 to oust McCarthy, with a handful of conservatives joining Democrats to remove him. Seven members were absent.

It is the first time in U.S. history that a speaker of the House has been voted out of office. McCarthy told House Republicans he will not run for speaker again, clearing the way for a new leader.

Earlier this afternoon, McCarthy’s allies forced a vote to try to kill Rep. Matt Gaetz’s effort, but it failed, with nearly a dozen Republicans joining all House Democrats to keep the issue alive. The House plans to leave for a week and will hold a speaker election next Wednesday.