California Representative Kevin McCarthy (R) has decided to step down from Capitol Hill after he became the first-ever speaker in US history to be ousted from the chair in the middle of a congressional term.
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
In an op-ed for the Wall Street Journal, McCarthy said that he would focus on "[serving]" America in new ways."
The announcement would further cut the Republican majority after expelling George Santos from the chamber last week. This also meant that the GOP majority would only potentially be down to 220 members compared to 213 Democrats.
While he did not provide a clear reason for him quitting by the end of the year, McCarthy explained how he would work for the benefit of the GOP and "continue to recruit" for the best and brightest to succeed him in elected office, NBC News reported.
His exit meant that he would depart before the Feb 13 special election to replace Santos.
"Now, it is time to pursue my passion in a new arena," McCarthy added without going into details about his next move.
Despite only being House Speaker for several months, it was the highlight of his very long career as a lawmaker since 2007.
Kevin served the American people and his constituents in California’s Central Valley with honor for nearly two decades.
As the Republican Leader, he helped secure the House Republican majority twice, and as Speaker he led the People’s House in its return to regular order after… pic.twitter.com/nFHKHKCjjq
In a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter, House Speaker Mike Johnson said McCarthy "served the American people and his constituents in California's Central Valley with honor for nearly two decades."
