Kevin McCarthy will not seek re-election as Speaker of the House after being removed from the top leadership position in a historic vote on Tuesday.
This development threatens to deepen the chaos within House Republicans, leaving them without a clear alternative candidate who can secure the necessary support to become the new speaker.
The race for a potential successor is already underway.
The decision to oust McCarthy and his subsequent refusal to run for speakership again represents a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions within the House GOP, which has been plagued by internal divisions.
This dramatic move comes shortly after McCarthy played a key role in brokering a last-minute bipartisan agreement to avert a government shutdown. Notably, no House speaker had ever been removed through a resolution prior to this event.
During a press conference on Tuesday evening, McCarthy defended his actions, emphasizing his commitment to prioritizing governance over partisan grievances and highlighting the importance of negotiation and compromise in the functioning of government.
His emotional staff members were present during the conference, hugging each other in a display of support. McCarthy indicated that he might endorse a successor but did not confirm whether he would remain in Congress, leaving that decision open for consideration.
