Early on Friday morning, rumors were swirling that Rep. Kevin McCarthy is planning to resign before the end of his term.
The rumors started to gain root after McCarthy was ousted as the House Speaker and expressed behind closed door meetings that he’s ready to go back home to spend time with his family.
Friday evening McCarthy addressed the rumors and told a pool of reporters “No, I am not resigning.”
McCarthy continued “We are going to keep the majority. I am going to help the people I got here, and we are going to expand it further.”
BREAKING: McCarthy may resign from House after ouster pic.twitter.com/GIxi2zO2W8
— Gary D (@KMGGaryde) October 6, 2023
McCarthy denies reports that he will resign, says he plans to run for reelection | Just The News https://t.co/Ks3vyVxFt2
— John Solomon (@jsolomonReports) October 6, 2023
Here’s what Politico shared:
Kevin McCarthy is considering resigning from the House before the end of his term, two people familiar with the matter told POLITICO.
ADVERTISEMENTThe deposed former speaker has made clear he plans to stay at least through the speakership election that begins next week before ending his House career, these people said, in order to help the party steady itself after a seismic shakeup.
In a short media gaggle with reporters after publication, McCarthy said he planned to run for reelection, had not considered resigning and he will stick around: “I’m still here finishing my job.”
“No, I’m not resigning. I’m staying, so don’t worry,” McCarthy said. “We’re going to keep the majority, I’m going to help the people I got here and we’re going to expand it further.” McCarthy also said he had spoken to both Reps. Steve Scalise (R-La.) and Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) about the race to succeed him.
McCarthy: ‘I’m not resigning’
In a closed-door meeting with his conference, hours after eight House Republicans united with Democrats to strip him of the gavel, the Californian signaled that he wanted to return home.
“I’m going to spend time with my family,” he said, though the remarks were largely drowned out by lawmakers’ shouting, according to Republicans familiar with the meeting.
“I might have been given a bad break, but I’m still the luckiest man alive,” he told them.
Look, if Kevin McCarthy wants to throw a hissy fit and resign from Congress, don't let the door block his way out. 🤷🏼♀️ pic.twitter.com/tAwoiBb49i
— 🔥Desiree🔥 (@DesireeAmerica4) October 6, 2023
Per The National Review:
U.S. Representative Kevin McCarthy (R., Calif.), standing in the U.S. Capitol on Friday afternoon before a gaggle of reporters, stated that he has no plans to resign from Congress and intends to run for re-election in 2024. The former House speaker said, “I’m still here finishing my job.” Alluding to rumors that have swirled since representative Matt Gaetz’s (R., Fla.) successful motion-to-vacate vote Tuesday, McCarthy advised journalists not to read into reports that he intends to step down. “I will tell you,” he said, adding that he has not even entertained the thought of resigning.
ADVERTISEMENTMcCarthy said “yes” when asked whether he would again be on the ballot in California’s 20th congressional district.
McCarthy’s announcement comes on the heels of reporting that suggested the recently ousted former speaker was considering resigning before the end of his term in January. Politico reported that the California Republican “plans to stay at least through the speakership election that begins next week before ending his House career,” while CNN reported earlier Friday that “multiple sources familiar with McCarthy’s thinking” said he was expected to step down relatively soon.
Watch McCarthy address the rumors here:
Speaking to reporters, @SpeakerMcCarthy says he will NOT resign before his term is up and will run for re-election in 2024. pic.twitter.com/U8sozHn7xf
— Zach Kessel (@zach_kessel) October 6, 2023
UPDATE: Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy said on Friday he will finish his congressional term and run for reelection, denying media reports that suggested the Republican would resign from Congress before the end of his term. https://t.co/HQ3X1vh9Sm
— Brad Porcellato (@BradPorcellato) October 6, 2023
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