Former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy announced Wednesday that he will retire from Congress at the end of the year.
In an op-ed for the Wall Street Journal, McCarthy wrote that he would be resigning from Congress to serve America in new ways. He said he will continue to recruit Republicans to run for office. The announcement comes just months after McCarthy was ousted as Speaker. (RELATED: McCarthy Addresses Media After Being Ousted As Speaker, Says He Will Not Run Again)
“It is in this spirit that I have decided to depart the House at the end of this year to serve America in new ways. I know my work is only getting started. I will continue to recruit our country’s best and brightest to run for elected office. The Republican Party is expanding every day, and I am committed to lending my experience to support the next generation of leaders,” McCarthy wrote. (RELATED: EXCLUSIVE: Kevin McCarthy To Give Nominating Speech For Jim Jordan Before Third Speaker Vote)
WATCH:
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
House Minority Leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) speaks during a weekly news conference at the U.S. Capitol July 01, 2021 in Washington, DC. McCarthy held a weekly news conference to answer questions from members of the press. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
“It often seems that the more Washington does, the worse America gets. I started my career as a small-business owner, and I look forward to helping entrepreneurs and risk-takers reach their full potential. The challenges we face are more likely to be solved by innovation than legislation,” he added. (RELATED: Patrick McHenry Announces He Will Not Seek Reelection)
(This is a developing story. More information will be added as it becomes available.)