Which Republicans Teamed With Dems to Oust Bakersfield’s Kevin McCarthy as Speaker?

The eight Republicans who voted to replace Kevin McCarthy as Speaker of the House were:

— Matt Gaetz of Florida, who offered the motion to vacate the speaker’s office.

— Andy Biggs of Arizona

— Ken Buck of Colorado

— Tim Burchett of Tennessee

— Eli Crane of Arizona

— Bob Good of Virginia

— Nancy Mace of South Carolina

— Matt Rosendale of Montana

(GV Wire/Paul Marshall)

The chamber must now elect a new speaker.

However, as rollcall.com analyzed Tuesday, that is the job of the majority party and with the Republican conference splintered, it could take time for another member among their ranks to garner the votes required to secure the gavel.

In the meantime, McCarthy ally Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., will serve as the speaker pro tempore until a new speaker is chosen.

Related Story: GOP Civil War Results in McCarthy Becoming First Speaker Ousted in a House Vote

‘Sad Day for the American People,’ Says Valadao

Two Republicans representing voters in the San Joaquin Valley weighed in on McCarthy becoming the first Speaker ever ousted in a House vote.

“Today is a sad day for the American people, the institution of the House, and the Central Valley,” Rep. David Valadao (R-Hanford) said in a news release.

“I’m frustrated that a handful of Republicans joined with all House Democrats to essentially bring our government to a halt. Now, instead of using our limited time to fund the government and secure the border, this sideshow has become the main event.

“Kevin McCarthy is a great friend and has led our conference better than anyone in his shoes could have done with the slim majority that we have. It is disappointing that the personal ambitions of a few members undermine the work of the Republican majority. We need to be unified and govern in the best interest of the American people.”

‘House Will Be Paralyzed,’ Predicts McClintock

Said Rep. Tom McClintock (R-Elk Grove): “The House will be paralyzed. We can expect week after week of fruitless (speaker) ballots while no other business can be conducted. The Democrats will revel in Republican dysfunction and the public will rightly be repulsed.

“It will end when the Democrats are able to enlist a rump caucus of Republicans to join a coalition to end the impasse.”

McCarthy Will Not Run for Speaker Again

McCarthy told members of his conference Tuesday night that he will not run for Speaker again, multiple lawmakers told The Hill.

“If you throw a speaker out that has 99 percent of their conference, that kept government open and paid the troops, I think we’re in a really bad place for how we’re going to run Congress,” McCarthy said. “There are obstacles in my life. I have fallen many times.”

McCarthy later tweeted that he wouldn’t run for the position again.

I will not seek to run again for Speaker of the House. I may have lost a vote today, but I fought for what I believe in—and I believe in America. It has been an honor to serve. https://t.co/4EMpOuwtzy

— Kevin McCarthy (@SpeakerMcCarthy) October 3, 2023