In a surprise decision that caught most everyone on Capitol Hill and political reporters off guard, House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy has withdrawn his name from consideration for being the next Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Additionally, the election to select the next top leader in the chamber has been postponed. The Bakersfield Republican met on Wednesday with colleagues and said that “I am not the one at this time,” according to Rep. Peter King of New York. McCarthy said he will stay in his current position. Wisoconsin Rep. Paul Ryan, a former vice presidential nominee, said he will not be a candidate for House Speaker, either noting that he was “disappointed” by McCarthy’s abrupt decision.
“While I am grateful for the encouragement I’ve received, I will not be a candidate,” Ryan said. “I continue to believe I can best serve the country and this conference as chairman of the Ways and Means Committee.” California Rep. Darrell Issa said about the new challenge facing the beleaguered Republican caucus: “Kevin McCarthy remains our leader.”
McCarthy’s decision may stem from infighting among members of the Freedom Caucus and more moderate republicans; Issa said departing Speaker John Boehner had called off a vote among Republicans on a nominee for a successor because of a lack of candidates who could secure a majority in the full House.
“I don’t believe there was any candidate who could get to 218 votes among those who had declared,” Issa continued, “and I believe that’s the reason Speaker Boehner dismissed (the meeting) with the intention to have the field reconsidered.”
McCarthy only a week ago was heavily favored to win GOP colleagues’ endorsement, but a strong challenge from more hardline House conservatives threatened a smooth transfer of leadership. McCarthy had failed to win over a small but crucial bloc in the House GOP: The ultra-hardline Freedom Caucus. The group consists of 30-plus uncompromising conservatives which essentially drove Boehner into retirement by threatening for months a floor vote on his leadership. And they said they would oppose McCarthy as Speaker and back one of his rivals instead, Rep. Daniel Webster of Florida.
“Power doesn’t like to give up power,” said Rep. John Fleming of Louisiana, a Freedom Caucus member. “That’s why many of us have gotten behind Mr. Webster. We feel that conservatives have been greatly marginalized by the current leadership.”
A true test of GOP leadership in the House will come on Oct. 29 when the full assembly will vote for speaker in open session. Democrats are certain to back Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, formerly the nation’s first woman Speaker, and Republicans will need to secure a 218-member majority vote to retain the speakership.
