Rep. Kevin McCarthy spent much of his career in the House, fighting to become Speaker. Yet, under his leadership, Republicans seemed to struggle to build momentum.
Perhaps that is why a group of House Republicans moved to oust him from the speakership. With that prestigious title gone, it doesn’t appear McCarthy has much left for him in Congress.
He recently got hit with the news that one of his close allies is retiring, along with many others.
From Fox News:
Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., announced Tuesday that he will not seek re-election, once again expanding the coming congressional exodus.McHenry said he will finish out the remainder of his term. The Republican is a close ally of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and served as interim-speaker in the time between McCarthy’s ouster and the election of Speaker Mike Johnson.
Thirty-seven members of Congress won’t be running for re-election, leaving the majority up for grabs. Now, with his future in government uncertain, McCarthy made bombshell news.
From Fox News:
Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., announced Wednesday that he will resign from his congressional seat after being ousted as House speaker…“I will continue to recruit our country’s best and brightest to run for elected office. The Republican Party is expanding every day, and I am committed to lending my experience to support the next generation of leaders.”
McCarthy, after losing the gavel, announced he was leaving Congress at the end of 2024. He said his work for America was “only getting started.” The Republican claims he will recruit America’s “best and the brightest” to enter politics.
It is unclear how the former Speaker will do this, but there are a number of options available to him. Most likely, he will form or head a Super PAC that will raise money for and recruit Republican candidates. He might also join a lobbying firm (often branded “think tanks”) that can influence policy on Capitol Hill.
This news is still no less a blow to House Republicans’ majority. At least ten sitting Republicans have announced their retirements, leaving a big opportunity for Democrats to take those seats. With the departure of someone as notable as McCarthy, the future of House Republicans is left in the air.
But critics will not blame McCarthy for leaving the House, after what some Republicans did to him. After battling for the gavel over many years, a single rogue Republican stabbed him in the back. And a small group of Republicans, claiming the high ground, voted with Democrats to remove him from the speakership.
It’s no wonder he wants out.
Key Takeaways:
- Former House Speaker McCarthy will not run for re-election in 2024.
- This comes just weeks after House Republicans voted him out of the speakership.
- The Republican claims he will continue to recruit candidates to run for office.
