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Kevin McCarthy’s removal as Speaker of the US House of Representatives marks an unprecedented event in the lower chamber’s history.
In a dramatic 216-210 roll call vote, McCarthy was fired from the speakership through a “motion to vacate” endorsed by the House. This vote, with eight Republicans joining 208 Democrats, sealed his removal.
This extraordinary vote paves the way for the election of a new Speaker. However, there is currently no consensus candidate among House Republicans, and a vote is not expected until at least next week.
In a closed-door meeting after his ouster, McCarthy informed Republicans that he would not seek re-election as Speaker. He later confirmed this decision in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
“I may have lost a vote today, but I fought for what I believe in—and I believe in America,” McCarthy stated. “It has been an honor to serve.”
McCarthy’s removal highlights the deep divisions within the Republican party and poses a threat to further dysfunction in Washington. The House cannot conduct legislative business until a new Speaker is elected.
This impasse arises at a critical time for Congress, as the stop-gap government funding is set to expire in mid-November and there is disagreement among lawmakers regarding additional US aid to Ukraine.
“This is uncharted waters,” commented Jim Clyburn, a veteran Democratic congressman from South Carolina. “Nobody knows [what will happen].”
Patrick McHenry, a Republican congressman from North Carolina and a close ally of McCarthy, has been designated “Speaker pro tempore” to lead the chamber in the absence of an elected Speaker.
McHenry suggested that the House should go into recess so that Democratic and Republican members can meet separately and “discuss the path forward.”
The Speaker holds the most senior position in the lower chamber of Congress and is second in the presidential line of succession, after the vice-president.
Leading the Republican revolt against McCarthy was Matt Gaetz, the fiery congressman from Florida, who took action after the Speaker reached a deal with Democrats to prevent a government shutdown over the weekend.
With Republicans holding a slim majority in the lower chamber, a few GOP rebels had the power to oppose McCarthy. Several of them had already opposed McCarthy’s bid for Speaker earlier this year. McCarthy was elected on the 15th round of voting in January.
McCarthy’s weekend deal with Democrats resulted in a bipartisan vote to maintain current funding levels and keep the government funded until mid-November, despite the push from many Republicans for budget cuts.
McCarthy defended this deal, stating on Capitol Hill before the vote: “Keeping the government open and ensuring payment for our troops was the right decision. I stand by that decision. If I have to lose my job over it, so be it.”
In reference to Gaetz’s actions, McCarthy claimed that Gaetz had been pursuing a personal vendetta related to a congressional ethics investigation into accusations of sex trafficking. The Department of Justice concluded its investigation into Gaetz earlier this year without filing charges. Gaetz has denied any wrongdoing.
“Matt Gaetz had planned to do this from the very beginning,” said the Speaker in an interview with CNBC prior to the vote. “He has personal challenges in his life, and that’s fine.”
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