Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy to Resign from Congress; Commits to Helping GOP Expansion

Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy to Resign from Congress; Commits to Helping GOP Expansion

Edited by: TJVNews.com

Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy on Wednesday revealed his decision to resign from Congress at the end of this year. McCarthy, a California Republican, who faced internal party dissent resulting in his ousting as speaker two months ago, expressed his intention to explore new avenues of service to the nation.

In an op-ed for The Wall Street Journal, McCarthy highlighted his commitment to supporting the Republican Party’s expansion and contributing to the development of the next generation of leaders. Emphasizing the need for results over political maneuvers, he stated, “The challenges we face are more likely to be solved by innovation than legislation.”

McCarthy acknowledged the unforeseen journey of his political career and declared his departure with a sense of fulfillment, leaving “it all on the field.” Despite the current political climate, McCarthy asserted that delivering results for the American people remains a celebrated endeavor.

“I never could have imagined the journey when I first threw my hat into the ring,” he continued. “ 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.”

“No matter the odds, or personal cost, we did the right thing. That may seem out of fashion in Washington these days, but delivering results for the American people is still celebrated across the country. It is in this spirit that I have decided to depart the House at the end of this year to serve America in new ways. I know my work is only getting started,” McCarthy wrote, as was reported by Fox News. “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,” he added.

McCarthy surmised, “It often seems that the more Washington does, the worse America gets. I started my career as a small-business owner, and I look forward to helping entrepreneurs and risk-takers reach their full potential. The challenges we face are more likely to be solved by innovation than legislation.”

“I never could have imagined the journey when I first threw my hat into the ring,” he continued. “ 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.”

The former House Speaker plans to continue his involvement in politics by recruiting talented individuals for elected office. Additionally, McCarthy expressed his desire to assist entrepreneurs and risk-takers in reaching their full potential, emphasizing the power of innovation in overcoming challenges.

House Republicans are preparing to celebrate McCarthy at an upcoming party, expressing gratitude and well-wishes for his years of service. McCarthy’s departure leaves behind lingering tensions within the House GOP Conference, with some members welcoming the change while others express appreciation for his contributions.

The margin of Republicans in the House will depend on upcoming special elections, including those for the seats of Democratic Rep. Brian Higgins of New York and GOP Rep. Bill Johnson of Ohio next year. Additionally, the outcome of the election in New York to replace Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is scheduled for February 13, 2024. The departure of Johnson and Higgins is expected to occur in the first quarter of 2024.

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise expressed well wishes to McCarthy as he announced his decision to resign from Congress at the end of the year.

Scalise acknowledged the challenges of being a former speaker and the complexities McCarthy faced in the role. Despite McCarthy attending meetings sporadically, some members made it clear that his presence was not welcome. The departure of McCarthy, a seasoned politician, is expected to have an impact on the internal dynamics of the GOP.

The Republican margin in the House will be influenced by upcoming special elections for the seats of Democratic Rep. Brian Higgins of New York and GOP Rep. Bill Johnson of Ohio. The outcome of the election in New York to replace expelled Rep. George Santos on February 13 will also play a crucial role. With Johnson’s expected departure in the first quarter of 2024 and Higgins slated to leave in February, the GOP majority could face a thin two-vote margin.

Chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee, Rep. Richard Hudson, thanked McCarthy for his contributions to the party, highlighting his fundraising prowess and recruitment efforts that led the GOP from the minority to the majority. McCarthy’s departure will leave a void in the House GOP, impacting its legislative efforts and narrowing its already-slim majority.

California Governor Gavin Newsom’s handling of the vacant seat is under scrutiny, especially given the precedent set when former Rep. Duncan Hunter’s seat remained open for 10 months after his resignation in January 2020. McCarthy’s resignation adds to the complexities surrounding the GOP majority, as special elections for other seats and the outcome of the New York election to replace expelled Rep. George Santos contribute to the uncertainty.

The timing of McCarthy’s announcement, just before the House departs for the year, underscores the swift nature of his exit. While the departure leaves the GOP down a member and impacts the legislative landscape, it also positions McCarthy as a sought-after figure in the private sector, with his extensive network and experience potentially making him a valuable addition to corporate endeavors.

As the political landscape adjusts to McCarthy’s decision, the upcoming special election and its implications for California’s 20th Congressional District will be closely watched, influencing the dynamics of the House GOP in the months ahead.