Glory, Grief, and the Gavel: An Inside Guide to Running for Speaker of the House

by John Leganski

USA Today Bestseller!

The untold story of the longest Speaker's election since the Civil War—and what it reveals about power in Washington.

Glory, Grief, and the Gavel takes readers deep into the high-stakes world of Capitol Hill, pulling back the curtain on what it takes to lead one of the most complex and unruly institutions in the US House of Representatives.

While presidential elections hinge on tens of millions of votes, the speakership—the third-highest office in the land and second in line to the presidency—can be decided by just 218.

Written by former top congressional advisor John Leganski, this vivid personal memoir chronicles a decade-long battle for the gavel that ultimately erupted in the dramatic January 2023 floor fight to elect Kevin McCarthy as Speaker of the House. Over the course of five extraordinary days and fifteen ballots, the contest became the first multi-ballot vote for Speaker in a century, the longest such struggle since the Civil War, and a defining moment in modern House history.

Filled with never-before-reported scenes from a showdown that captivated the nation and the world, this rare front-row account doubles as both a Rosetta Stone for understanding today’s Republican Party and the unforgiving realities of Washington politics. Along the way, Leganski offers hard-won lessons in leadership, the art of vote counting, and the human cost of wielding power in the People’s House.

If you’ve ever wondered how Speakers are chosen, why congressional leadership elections turn into political warfare, or what really happens in the rooms the cameras never see, Glory, Grief, and the Gavel delivers an unflinching and unforgettable answer.

Genres: Politics

240 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 23, 2026

Reviews

[Parker Poling · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the greatest book ever written

[Owen Brigner · Rating 3 out of 5]

We all know the DC-brained staffer stereotype. John Leganski not only confirms it but embodies it. If you can get past the author’s self-importance and his glossy reframing of why certain events didn’t go his team’s way—never the fault of him, his boss, or their team, of course—then there are some genuinely intriguing behind-the-scenes nuggets. Most notable is former Vice President Dick Cheney’s advice: “Hope for chaos.”

[Jerry Edward Stephens]

Legislative aides seldom write insider tell-all books. That's just not always acceptable staff behavior. I was just such a legislative staff attorney many years ago. I could never have written this book. That's just why I'm doing another first here. I really have to review this book as soon as my copy comes to me. I think that is a promise I can make here.

[Dominic Buono · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for anyone working in government or who simply wants to understand how our government works. Leganski does such a great job of explaining things in a way that is both compelling for political junkies, yet approachable for casual observers. I am going to recommend everyone in my son's high school class government read this over the summer!

[Albert Farmingdale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished reading Glory, Grief, and the Gavel and could not put it down. Actually read it all in one day. Somehow this is both a polisci textbook, a fun and well-paced narrative, and an episode of Survivor all wrapped into one. They should make a Netflix show out of this! 5 stars easy

[Giulia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book!! Must read book.

[Steve Stombres · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fascinating inside account of the McCarthy Speakership. People who want a real behind the scenes look at the turbulent dynamic within Congress will enjoy this book.

[Ella Gunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

10 stars! Must read.

[Kenny Schwarz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A decent account of the dramatic run up to the brief speakership of Kevin McCarthy. This book offers a brief peak behind the curtain and the inner workings of Congress that I especially appreciated as a former House staffer. An added bonus is that friends and contacts appear as characters in this book. On the other hand Leganski is a former McCarthy staffer who treats his former boss with far too much sycophantic praise and ignores his shortcomings (rumors of his personal life, insincerity etc) that drive wedges between his caucus. Accordingly Glory, Grief and the Gavel gets four stars from me.

[Cate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. A gripping story and so beautifully written. I’m comfortable saying it’s the best book in modern politics and well worth the read.

[Kevin Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read full of good quotes and some insider drama. Learned a ton about the House I didn’t know before. The book was about the right length. Good for those interested in the politics of the House

[kay ੈ♡ · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

I read this book for my Elections class, and it is an interesting look into running for office and the many challenges and joys that come with it!