Rep. Kevin McCarthy’s decision not to run for Speaker of the House after being voted out of the position marks an unprecedented event in U.S. history. McCarthy made this announcement during a closed GOP meeting, stating that he did not want members to be upset over the situation and that he was placing his trust in God.
He explained that he chose not to try to save his speakership by working with House Democrats because he believed it was not in the best interests of House Republicans. McCarthy also expressed disappointment in the eight Republicans who voted with House Democrats, suggesting that they were not looking out for the best interests of the Republican Conference.
McCarthy encouraged members to vote together when selecting the next House Speaker and to avoid a lengthy and divisive process similar to the one he experienced, which involved 15 rounds of voting.