In an unprecedented move, the House has removed its speaker Kevin McCarthy from power.
A coalition of Democrats and a select group of conservatives led by Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) voted on Tuesday to oust Kevin McCarthy from his leadership position. While the future of the speaker’s role remains uncertain, there are speculations that McCarthy may attempt a comeback.
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy ousted in historic moment
“As long as it’s needed, we’re ready to support this process,” stated Rep. David Valadao (R-Calif.), a staunch supporter of McCarthy. “We’ll stand by the speaker for as long as he needs us.”
Eight Republicans voted to remove McCarthy, including Reps. Eli Crane (Ariz.), Ken Buck (Colo.), Andy Biggs (Ariz.), Matt Rosendale (Mont.), Matt Gaetz (Fla.), Bob Good (Va.), Nancy Mace (S.C.), and Tim Burchett (Tenn.).
Several names, such as Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.), Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.), and Conference Chair Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), have emerged as potential successors. However, all three have denied any intentions of stepping into McCarthy’s shoes, though this stance might evolve given the recent developments.
Fall from grace mighty and quick
The discord between McCarthy and his conservative base intensified recently. The rift grew after McCarthy supported a provisional spending resolution on Saturday that prevented a government shutdown. However, this resolution did not incorporate the spending reductions or the stringent border controls he had previously promised. This led to more Democrats supporting the bill than Republicans, further fueling conservative discontent with the speaker.
Notably, the House last attempted to remove a speaker in 1910, but such a motion had never been successful until now.
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