Skip to main content

Rep. Kevin McCarthy Bows Out of Race for Speaker

CBN

Share This article

House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy has withdrawm his candidacy for Speaker of the House, throwing an already shaken Republican party into chaos over it's leadership.

McCarthy told reporters he withdrew because of GOP divisions and a need for unity.

"We're servants. We should put this conference first and we need a new face," McCarthy said shortly after the news leaked to the press.

McCarthy faced opposition from a conservative group in the Republican party. About 30 members of the House Freedom Caucus announced Wednesday they would back a different candidate: Rep. Daniel Webster, R-Fla.

"It is clear that our constituents will simply not accept a continuation of the status quo, and that the viability of the Republican Party depends on whether we start listening to our voters and fighting to keep our promises," the group said in a statement.

CBN News spoke with Rep. Walter Jones, R-N.C., about his letter to the Republican Conference Chairman.

Also, on Sunday, Rep. Jason Chaffetz announced he'd challenge McCarthy for speaker.

There is also a letter written by Rep. Walter Jones, R-N.C., to the Republican conference chairman asking whoever runs for leadership withdraw if there are "misdeeds" committed since the election that could further harm public trust.

The closed-door, secret-ballot election has been postponed for now. When it happens, it will produce a GOP nominee for speaker, but it's not the final word. That won't come until the full House votes in open session for speaker.

Tim Huelskamp, with the House Freedom Caucus, explains why they didn't support McCarthy for speaker.

Share This article