(RepublicanReport.org) – Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) will be leaving Congress at the end of 2023. He shared the decision in an opinion piece for The Wall Street Journal, adding that although he would no longer be serving in the elected office he’s held for the last 17 years, his work for the American people has only just begun.
McCarthy broke the news on December 6. The California conservative called himself an optimist, sharing his many victories in Washington, DC. “Only in America,” according to the departing House member, could someone be denied an internship for a congressional office, only to later earn that seat and serve in the position for so many years. He noted his part in gaining Republicans the majority in the House on two separate occasions as well as his pride in the fact that he saw record numbers of women and minorities joining their ranks.
The House, with McCarthy’s participation, passed laws to improve border security, tackle crime, move toward energy independence, and form a Parents’ Bill of Rights. He helped return the Intelligence Committee to its original directive and establish a Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party with bipartisan members. The former House speaker celebrated the show of integrity he and his peers showed in their work, stating that regardless of the difficulties or repercussions they faced, “we did the right thing.”
McCarthy was a member of the House for only four years when he became majority whip. He went on to serve as majority leader and House Republican leader before he became the speaker. His departure will soon leave California’s 20th district open, forcing Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) to call a special election to fill the vacancy. Possible Republican candidates, include State Sen. Shannon Grove, State Assemblyman Vince Fong, and Assemblyman Devon Mathis.
McCarthy is the second Republican to announce his resignation before the end of the 118th Congress. Rep. Chris Stewart (UT) resigned earlier in the year.
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