Congressman Kevin McCarthy announced he will retire at the end of 2023, well before his term is set to expire. McCarthy was ousted as Speaker earlier this year.
The son of a firefighter from Bakersfield, McCarthy said his story is the story of America. Every moment, McCarthy said, came with “a great deal of devotion and responsibility.”
He said he was proud of what was accomplished, noting Republicans won a House majority twice and elected more Republican women, veterans and minorities than ever before.
After traveling the country, McCarthy added there are more people who want to “build something than those who want to tear it down.”
“We did our part,” he said. “And when the stakes were the highest, we rose to the challenge. We were willing to risk it all, no matter the odds, no matter the personal costs. Simply put, we did the right thing.”
As the son of a firefighter from Bakersfield, my story is the story of America. For me, every moment came with a great deal of devotion and responsibility.
Serving you in Congress and as the 55th Speaker of the House has been my greatest honor. pic.twitter.com/jNnYQ8UO4k
— Kevin McCarthy (@SpeakerMcCarthy) December 6, 2023
Congressman Matt Gaetz discussed McCarthy’s retirement as well.
Former @SpeakerMcCarthy is quitting Congress. He’s essentially saying if he cannot run the place as Speaker, then he will leave.
There’s an Establishment Exodus from the House Republican Conference. It’s my hope that we backfill these establishment entities with folks who are… https://t.co/3bXm7L1npP pic.twitter.com/PKDetlzCIV
— Rep. Matt Gaetz (@RepMattGaetz) December 6, 2023
