Boehner renominated for House speaker

House Speaker John Boehner received a standing ovation after being renominated to his position Wednesday by the House Republican Conference.

Nominated by House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, Boehner gained support from members of his party to continue his speakership. He will be formally elected by a vote in the House of Representatives when the 113th Congress convenes in January.

Cantor was also re-nominated as House majority leader.

Rep. Louie Gohmert of Texas rose in the meeting and nominated former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, according to sources in the room, but no one seconded that nomination.

Also Wednesday, Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Washington defeated Rep. Tom Price of Georgia to become leader of the Republican Conference, the fourth ranking GOP spot in the House. McMorris Rodgers faced a competitive challenge from Price, who received backing from GOP star Rep. Paul Ryan in a letter Tuesday.

The current conference chairman, Rep. Jeb Hensarling of Texas, is leaving the role to chair the House Financial Services Committee.

While five congressional races remain undecided, Republicans maintained control of the House majority in last week's elections. As of now, Republicans will outnumber Democrats 234-196 in the next Congress. Democrats, however, hold narrow leads in all five House races considered too close to call.