US Rep. Kevin McCarthy created a new headache for the Republican Party he promised to serve by announcing his impending exit from the House of Representatives at the end of the year.
After nearly two decades in Congress and a quick stint as Speaker of the House, McCarthy is calling it quits as a congressman, dropping the news Wednesday via video message to X and in a op-ed in The Wall Street Journal. His departure further shrinks the Republican majority that is planning a special election in February to replace ousted former New York Rep. George Santos.
“No matter the odds or the personal cost, we did the right thing. That may seem old-fashioned in Washington these days, but getting results for the American people is still celebrated across the country,” he wrote the California Democrat in the Journal.
“It is in this spirit that I have decided to leave the House at the end of this year to serve America in new ways. I know that my work is only beginning,” he added.
As the son of a Bakersfield firefighter, my story is America's story. For me, every moment came with a lot of devotion and responsibility.
Serving you in Congress and as the 55th Speaker of the House has been my greatest honor. pic.twitter.com/jNnYQ8UO4k
— Kevin McCarthy (@SpeakerMcCarthy) December 6, 2023
“I will continue to recruit our nation's best and brightest to run for elected office,” McCarthy added. “The Republican Party is expanding every day, and I am committed to lending my expertise to support the next generation of leaders.”
In the video message, McCarthy touted what he saw as his many accomplishments in Congress.
“I sit here today having served as whip, leader and as the 55th speaker of the House,” he said. “We kept our government running and our troops paid while wars raged around the world. … I have faith in this country.”
“Now, it's time to pursue my passion in a new field,” he added without sharing any details. “Although I will be leaving the House at the end of this year, I will never, ever give up fighting for this country that I love so much.”
NRCC Chairman Richard Hudson (R-NC) praised McCarthy in a statement following the announcement.
“Kevin McCarthy's contributions to our country and to the growth of the House Republican majority are unparalleled. A sharp political mind, Kevin personally raised hundreds of millions of dollars and recruited hundreds of diverse candidates who took us from the minority to the majority. This devotion to building our party stems from a strong love of country and a heart for service that motivates Kevin at his core,” he said.
“Born to humble beginnings, he worked for everything he had in life: leading the son of a firefighter to the highest heights of American politics. Kevin is a believer in the American dream because he live,” Hudson added. “Kevin McCarthy is not only all of these things, but he is also my personal friend and close mentor. Kevin taught me to always be the bigger person, focused on doing great things for the betterment of everyone around you. Thank you Kevin McCarthy. I wish you and Judy all the best as you begin this new chapter in life.”
The departure of the Republican legislator caused a wave of diverse reactions, from celebrations to condemnation.
“Congratulations Freedom Caucus for one and 105 Reps kicking ours out for the other,” Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., wrote in a post on X. “I can assure you that Republican voters did not give us the majority. to crash the ship. Let's hope no one dies.”
Well..
Now, in 2024, we will have a 1 seat majority in the House of Representatives.
Kudos Freedom Caucus for one and 105 Rep we expel ours for the other.
I can assure you that Republican voters did not give us the majority to crash the ship.
Hopefully no one dies.
— Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (@RepMTG) December 6, 2023
Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, who spearheaded the movement to oust McCarthy as House speaker, appeared to acknowledge the announcement with an understated celebratory post on X.
McLeavin'
— Matt Gaetz (@mattgaetz) December 6, 2023
Some offered off-color laughter.
My dad recently asked me what I thought of Kevin McCarthy.
In light of his retirement, I thought I would share… pic.twitter.com/gTpjLKZObI
— Adam Schiff (@AdamSchiff) December 6, 2023
And others recalled McCarthy's words: “I never quit.”
Well, this Kevin McCarthy video got old like milk. pic.twitter.com/JkpImzhxN7
— Jo (@JoJoFromJerz) December 6, 2023
Overall, it seems few will be sorry to see him go.
This is how we take the Republican Party and return it to its roots
A party that works for the American people, not the corrupt elites
Kevin McCarthy's departure from Congress is just one more proof of our progress
This battle is long and arduous, but we are making undeniable gains…
— DC_Draino (@DC_Draino) December 6, 2023
Kevin McCarthy is leaving Congress at the end of this year.
His political career summed up: the dog who finally took the ambulance only to realize he wasn't cut out to be an EMT.
— Jack E. Smith ⚖️ (@7Veritas4) December 6, 2023
Kevin McCarthy was NEVER in it for the people.
He was always in him for power.
He just said that if he can't be top dog, he'll take the bone and go home.
Absolutely disgusting behavior.
— Joey Mannarino (@JoeyMannarinoUS) December 6, 2023
Kevin McCarthy's downfall was swift. That man won speakership, lost speakership, and retired from Congress in 11 months.
— Covie (@covie_93) December 6, 2023
I am not surprised that you chose to resign before the end of your term leaving your successor and the other Republicans with an even tighter majority than after Santos' ouster.
You have always been and always will be a vengeful man. You are not a good boy.
— AnimalFarm (@animalfarmnow) December 6, 2023
Kevin McCarthy is leaving Congress to spend more time with his growing sense of irrelevance
— Jeff Tiedrich (@itsJeffTiedrich) December 6, 2023
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