Former House Speaker, Kevin McCarthy, has revealed his decision to step down from Congress at the close of this year, as conveyed in a recent Wall Street Journal op-ed.
This significant announcement follows his removal from the speakership just two months ago, marking a pivotal moment in his 17-year tenure in office.
McCarthy’s departure further narrows the historically slim majority held by the House GOP.
The recent expulsion of ex-Rep. George Santos from New York has already diminished their ranks, and the extent of Republican influence in the coming year hinges on the outcomes of several 2024 special elections.
In his op-ed, McCarthy reflects on his accomplishments, expressing no regrets about his time in leadership.
Despite his removal after just nine months as speaker, McCarthy emphasizes the importance of doing what he believes is right, even in the face of adversity.
Reflecting on his political journey, McCarthy states, “I go knowing I left it all on the field – as always, with a smile on my face. And looking back, I wouldn’t have had it any other way.”
A farewell celebration for McCarthy is in the works, organized by House Republicans, who had anticipated his decision not to seek reelection.
This gathering, scheduled before McCarthy’s public announcement, aims to express gratitude and bid farewell to the departing congressman.
McCarthy leaves Congress having garnered both supporters and detractors within the House GOP Conference.
Some members, like Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz, celebrated his departure, while Majority Leader Steve Scalise acknowledged the personal nature of McCarthy’s decision and wished him well.
The future of the Republican majority in the House remains uncertain, contingent on upcoming special elections.
McCarthy’s departure leaves the GOP with a delicate margin, subject to potential shifts based on election outcomes in New York and Ohio.
In response to McCarthy’s decision, Rep. Richard Hudson of North Carolina, Chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee, expressed gratitude for McCarthy’s contributions to the party and acknowledged his instrumental role in the GOP’s journey from the minority to the majority.
McCarthy, in a video statement, affirmed his commitment to continue fighting for the country, stating, “While I will be departing the House at the end of this year, I will never, ever give up fighting for this country that I love so much.”
