McCarthy did not want to be renominated for the top job
He asked his Republican colleagues not to nominate him. He will support his party’s election candidate.
Kevin McCarthy no longer wants to be Speaker of the US House of Representatives. (archive image)
Getty Images via AFP (Photo: Chip Somodevilla)
Kevin McCarthy, the speaker of the US House of Representatives who was impeached last week, is not seeking re-election, according to media reports. The Republican has asked his party colleagues not to nominate him, broadcaster CNN reported Tuesday evening (local time).
He will support a person with whom his team can agree. He had earlier mentioned that he would not be able to run for re-election.
The 58-year-old was voted in as Speaker of the House of Representatives last week. In a vote, eight Republicans, in addition to Democrats, spoke in favor of removing him. This is the first time in American history that a person has been removed from this position. Later, McCarthy announced that he would not be available again.
An internal vote is scheduled for Wednesday
Republicans met behind closed doors Tuesday evening (local time) to hold a sort of candidate forum. An internal vote is scheduled for Wednesday. There is no date yet for an official vote in the House of Representatives among all MPs. After McCarthy was voted in, far-right Jim Jordan and more moderate Steve Scalise announced their nominees last week. They have to present their position in the candidate forum.
Election to the third most important position in the US government after the President and Vice President requires an absolute majority of the members of the House of Representatives. Republicans hold only a slim majority in the chamber, so a few dissidents are enough to block the nomination. When he was elected in January, McCarthy was only able to secure such a majority in the 15th round.
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