Ousted Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy Suddenly Resigns

This just in: Former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy just announced that he will be leaving Congress at the end of the year! He dropped the surprise news in a Wall Street Journal op-ed published this morning.

BREAKING: Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy will retire from Congress at the end of this year.

He made the announcement in a WSJ op-ed where he said: “I know my work is only getting started … I will continue to recruit our country’s best and brightest to run for elected office.…

— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) December 6, 2023

Rep. McCarthy has been serving in Congress since 2007. In a historic move, he was ousted as Speaker of the House in October.

Here’s what the former Speaker had to say about his decision to retire on Twitter:

As the son of a firefighter from Bakersfield, my story is the story of America. For me, every moment came with a great deal 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

What’s up with this?

Rep. McCarthy is the latest to join the ranks of over 40 Republicans who have said they will not seek re-election once their term is up. Yesterday, the first and former Acting Speaker of the House Patrick McHenry announced his own retirement.

What’s interesting about McCarthy’s announcement is that he is not waiting for his term to end in January 2025. Instead, he is leaving in just a few weeks, forcing a special election to be held to fill his role.

Here’s more details, from Axios on MSN:

Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) announced Wednesday he will step down from Congress at the end of the year, leaving the House GOP with an even slimmer majority until a special election to fill his seat can be held.

Why it matters: McCarthy’s exit comes in the wake of a group of conservative hardliners successfully ousted him from his leadership position in a historic vote in October, placing the California Republican in an awkward position within his conference.

The Washington Post on MSN had this to add:

McCarthy’s retirement will bring to an end a 16-year House career that saw him quickly rise through the ranks of Republican leadership, culminating with his stint as speaker. His ouster marked the first time in history that the House voted to remove its leader, a move that threw the chamber into a period of instability.

McCarthy’s departure before the end of his term means California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) will have to call a special election to replace him.

McCarthy’s term is set to end in January 2025. He represents California’s 20th District, which covers much of the state’s Central Valley.

What do you think?

Are you surprised by Kevin McCarthy’s abrupt resignation?

Many folks on Twitter have pointed out that the Republican House Majority seems to be shrinking by the minute:

Kevin McCarthy gave his two week notice, announcing today he will resign, essentially telling the GOP who ousted him as House Speaker to go f*k themselves.

Dude said end of the year, which is in a few weeks. 👀

The Republican majority in the house is getting slimmer by the day. pic.twitter.com/PCFoFlWGRI

— Ryan Shead (@RyanShead) December 6, 2023

Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy said he will resign from Congress at the end of the year.

Our small Republican House majority continues to shrink.

— ThePersistence (@ScottPresler) December 6, 2023

Others saw the ousted Speaker’s announcement as great news for the American people:

This is how we take over the Republican Party & restore it to its roots

A party that works for the American people, not corrupt elites

Kevin McCarthy leaving Congress is only further 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 learned a lesson… Don't fuck with Matt Gaetz or the American people! #GaveledOut

— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) December 6, 2023

Do you think McCarthy is making the right move?

Why do you think all these Republicans are suddenly retiring?

Let us know your thoughts!