U.S. Representative Kevin McCarthy (R., Calif.), standing in the U.S. Capitol on Friday afternoon before a gaggle of reporters, stated that he has no plans to resign from Congress and intends to run for re-election in 2024. The former House speaker said, “I’m still here finishing my job.” Alluding to rumors that have swirled since representative Matt Gaetz’s (R., Fla.) successful motion-to-vacate vote Tuesday, McCarthy advised journalists not to read into reports that he intends to step down. “I will tell you,” he said, adding that he has not even entertained the thought of resigning.
McCarthy said “yes” when asked whether he would again be on the ballot in California’s 20th congressional district.
Speaking to reporters, @SpeakerMcCarthy says he will NOT resign before his term is up and will run for re-election in 2024. pic.twitter.com/U8sozHn7xf
— Zach Kessel (@zach_kessel) October 6, 2023
McCarthy’s announcement comes on the heels of reporting that suggested the recently ousted former speaker was considering resigning before the end of his term in January 2025. Politico reported that the California Republican “plans to stay at least through the speakership election that begins next week before ending his House career,” while CNN reported earlier Friday that “multiple sources familiar with McCarthy’s thinking” said he was expected to step down relatively soon.
Speaking to the same reporters, McCarthy declined to say whether he preferred one potential replacement over another, telling the crowd that he has spoken with representatives Jim Jordan (R., Ohio) and Steve Scalise (R., La.).