(Luis Cornelio, Headline USA) Ousted House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., addressed the rumors surrounding an imminent resignation, making it clear that he is not stepping from his position as congressman.
Despite facing an embarrassing expulsion from his role as speaker, McCarthy has expressed his commitment to continuing in his role and helping House Republicans maintain its majority ahead of the 2024 presidential election.
“I’m not resigning. I’ve got a lot more work to do so,” McCarthy told reporters outside his office on Friday. When pressed on whether he would stay for his full term, he added, “I’m staying so don’t worry.”
Then on running for re-election McCarthy continued, “Yes. we’re going to keep the majority I’m going to help the people I got here and we’re going to expand it further.” The former House speaker admitted that he never considered resigning.
During the impromptu press conference, McCarthy refused to say who he would endorse to be his replacement. “I’ll let them go to work,” he said, to which a reporter replied, “Will you weigh in?” In response, McCarthy said, “I’ll let them go work.”
So far, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., have announced their bid to become the next speaker of the House. However, former President Donald Trump has since endorsed Jordan, a staunch ally, for the speakership role.
“As President, I had the honor of presenting Jim with our Country’s highest civilian award, The Presidential Medal of Freedom,” Trump stated. “He will be a GREAT Speaker of the House, & has my Complete & Total Endorsement!”
McCarthy refused to react on whether he supported Trump’s endorsement. “Only members vote and I think members [can] sit down they can make their decision,” McCarthy stated. “They’re both good friends. I’ve talked to both of them.”
McCarthy faced a humiliating defeat after refusing to remove Ukrainian aid from a House GOP spending bill. Amid Republican opposition, McCarthy capitulated to President Joe Biden and Senate Democrats on a clean spending bill that delivered minimal wins for House Republicans.
In turn, Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., successfully introduced a motion to vacate, leading to McCarthy’s expulsion.
