History was made on Tuesday, October 3rd as Speaker of the House, Kevin McCarthy, was voted out of the U.S House of Representatives. This marks the first time ever in American history that the chamber has ousted its leader, with both Democrat and Republican representatives coming together to reach a final vote of 216-210. This makes McCarthy’s nine-month speakership the shortest since 1876.
Moments after the vote, which was introduced by Representative Matt Gaetz, McCarthy’s role was temporarily undertaken by Rep. Patrick McHenry of North Carolina, who gaveled the chamber into recess. However, there was little certainty about who would ultimately be replacing McCarthy as Speaker of the House.
During his first statement since losing his position in the House, McCarthy stated that he will not be running for speaker again, and that this is the end of his run. “I may have lost this vote today, but as I walk out of this chamber, I feel fortunate to have served,” he stated at a press conference at the Capitol.
The vote came as a result of his legislative victory the previous Saturday, when he convinced both the Democrats and Republicans of the House to approve a short-term funding bill that would keep the government open into the next month. However, a small band of Republicans, led by Representative Matt Gaetz, opposed the bill and instead, were in favor of a potential government shutdown. McCarthy’s decision was used as evidence that he had not “fulfilled his promises” as Speaker of the House.
Before the vote to vacate McCarthy took place, there was speculation that some Democrats would step in to save the Speaker by voting against the motion to vacate. However, in the final vote, all 208 Democrats in attendance voted against McCarthy.
Students here at Charter also have many thoughts on this historic event in U.S politics. For example, Isabella Milian is a sophomore at PPCHS who says, “I think it’s pretty crazy, [considering] it’s the first time something like this has ever happened… and I think it’s gonna be pretty interesting to see what happens next in our government.”
In attempts to unite the party behind a candidate to fill the vacancy, the Republicans of the House have nominated Representative Jim Jordans of Ohio. Jordans has won the support of 124 of House Republicans, however he still falls short of the 217 votes he must acquire in order to win the speakership.
In the meantime, this significant change in leadership will mark a historic turning point in American politics, and it will be remembered for years to come.
