Rep. Paul Ryan has been elected as the new Speaker of the House. The seat was left vacant after John Boehner’s resignation.

The vote took place this morning on the Hill, where Ryan needed 218 votes to win the majority. He received 236 votes, while Rep. Nancy Pelosi received 184 and Rep. Daniel Webster received 9. Three votes for unofficial candidates were cast, including Rep. John Lewis, Rep. Jim Cooper, and former Secretary of State Colin Powell.

In his speech, Ryan acknowledged the vast difference between Republicans and Democrats, but encouraged unity to fight problems head on. He also reminded Congress they work for the American people.

Ryan is the 62nd Speaker of the House.

The Rhode Island House of Representatives elected Rep. Nicholas A. Mattiello (D-Dist. 15, Cranston) its speaker yesterday.

Mattiello replaces Gordon Fox, who resigned on Saturday, March 22, following police raids of Fox’s office and home on Friday. According to his press release, Mattiello, a representative for the last seven years, announced to his fellow lawmakers that “[t]here will be a much greater emphasis on collaboration in the decision-making process among everyone in this room, Democrats and Republicans alike.”