Speaker McCarthy Ousted
October 10, 2023
On October 3, the House of Representatives voted to remove Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) as Speaker of the House. After his removal, McCarthy indicated he would not run again for Speaker, which now leaves the GOP conference with a power struggle.
- The final vote was 216-208. Eight Republicans joined 208 Democrats in ousting McCarthy.
- The action was the first time in American history that a sitting Speaker was removed by a vote of the chamber.
- Before the vote, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) released a letter saying Democratic leadership would not vote to protect McCarthy. Reporting indicates McCarthy was unwilling to make a deal with Democrats to protect his position.
- Pursuant to House rules, Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-NC) was designated as Acting Speaker Pro Tempore, though the extent of his powers are unclear. He immediately called the House into recess until October 11.
Why it matters: Without a Speaker, the House may not be able to pass legislation or act on other matters.
- Government funding expires after November 17, and Republicans will be focused on electing new leadership rather than hashing out a spending deal.
- McCarthy’s GOP critics were unhappy that he passed a debt deal and a CR relying on Democratic votes. The next Speaker might not be amendable to making deals with Democrats.
What’s next: House Republicans will hold candidate forums this week for the two main Speaker candidates. Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) and Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH) have both declared their candidacy.
- As Majority Leader, Scalise is the heir presumptive, but Jordan has strong appeal to the Freedom Caucus.
- Both were strong supporters of McCarthy, but each have strengths and weaknesses with various factions in the party. Republican Study Committee Chairman Kevin Hern (R-OK) is considering a run as well.
- Former President Donald Trump endorsed Jordan’s bid to be Speaker, but that does not lock up the race for Jordan, given Trump’s divisive position. Moderate GOPs likely want to distance themselves from Trump.
- Several members have suggested nominating Trump himself for Speaker, though Trump’s endorsement of Jordan may put that effort to rest.
- With the Hamas terrorist attacks against Israel, some have floated the idea of reinstating McCarthy as Speaker. McCarthy has not dismissed the idea.
The bottom line: The longer term impacts on the GOP, the legislative process, and bipartisan ship are unclear at this stage.
Republicans will meet this week to choose a Speaker-designate among themselves. It is unclear whether the entire GOP will support that candidate on the floor vote or if they hash it out like they did in January.
Contact David McCarthy (dmccarthy@crefc.org) with questions.