Kevin McCarthy ousted as Speaker of the House in a landmark vote: Key Points

On Tuesday, Speaker Kevin McCarthy experienced an unprecedented event—never before having lost his post in American history. Some members with extremely conservative leanings were responsible for this, which perplexed the House Republican leadership.

With this, McCarthy’s political career comes to an end. Though he’s always said he’s persistent, he’s running out of alternatives. The Democrats who joined in and the right-wing Republicans who ousted him from office don’t appear ready to compromise.

McCarthy notified legislators in the evening that he will not seek the speakership again, leaving it open. There is no obvious candidate to take over as leader of the Republican majority in the House, so it is unclear what will happen next. House operations will be suspended until the Republican attempt to select a new speaker the following week.

McCarthy said this at a press conference at the Capitol. “I may not have won today’s vote, but as I leave this chamber, I consider myself lucky to have served.” He took turns being happy about his tenure as speaker and making amends with those who had forced him out.

Nevertheless, he declared, “I wouldn’t alter anything.”

The leading opponent of McCarthy, Florida Representative Matt Gaetz, set up the odd “motion to vacate” vote and expeditiously led an exciting afternoon vote.

Even though McCarthy had a slim majority of support among Republicans and eight opponents, many of whom were hard-right members, tried to prevent him from becoming speaker in January.

As the voting was concluded, 216 votes were cast to declare the speaker’s office “vacant.” There was quiet when the presiding officer closed the ballot.

Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., one of McCarthy’s closest allies, assumed the gavel shortly after and, following House procedure, was named speaker pro tempore until a new speaker was chosen.

The House then swiftly adjourned so that members might confer secretly about the next course of action.

This unexpected turn of events caught McCarthy off guard because of his weekend decision to cooperate with Democrats to prevent a shutdown rather than take the risk Kevin McCarthy.