McCarthy 'considering' heading for the exits — would leave new speaker with even thinner majority

Editor’s note: Shortly after Politico published a report stating McCarthy was “considering” leaving before his term ended, the former Speaker told reporters he is not leaving and plans to run for re-election. Report and video here.

Kevin McCarthy, just days after being ousted as Speaker of the House by his own Republican conference, reportedly is considering leaving Congress before the end of his term, but will stay at least until the House elects another Speaker.

Politico first reported the news, citing two people familiar with the matter.

“The deposed former speaker has made clear he plans to stay at least through the speakership election that begins next week before ending his House career, these people said, in order to help the party steady itself after a seismic shakeup.”

If he does exit before the end of his term, that would leave the incoming Speaker with an even thinner majority than McCarthy had. California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, depending on timing, has the option of calling a special election to replace McCarthy, or leaving the seat unfilled, as he did in 2020 when convicted felon Duncan Hunter, a Republican, resigned.

Hours after losing his Speakership, McCarthy refused to say if he would stay in Congress, CNN’s Manu Raju reported.

Watch how Fox News announced the news in the video below or at this link.