WASHINGTON — Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) on Friday denied reports that he was considering stepping down from Congress, saying that he won’t be stepping down.
“I am not resigning. I got a lot more work to do,” McCarthy told reporters. “We’re going to keep the majority. I’m going to help the people I got here, and we’re going to expand it further.”
McCarthy’s comments came just hours after Politico reported the California Republican was considering resigning.
“No decision made,” a source familiar with the situation said.
McCarthy was removed as House speaker earlier this week in a 216-210 vote, with Democrats joining eight Republicans to oust him, marking the first time a speaker lost the gavel in a motion to vacate in U.S. history.
After the vote, McCarthy announced during a press conference that he would not run again for speaker, shocking many in the room but opening the door to some of former president Donald Trump’s allies to make a run for the gavel.
McCarthy has served in the House GOP leadership since 2009 and has served in Congress since 2007.
“I think he’s considered multiple options. And what it means for his future. He said it in his remarks — he wants to help keep most of the members in their seats. How he does that and from what vantage point is the decision,” a source said.
House Republicans are set to return to Capitol Hill next week to host a closed-door candidate discussion before a vote scheduled for Wednesday. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) and Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) launched official bids for speaker.
Jordan has gotten the backing of former President Donald Trump, who endorsed the Ohio Republican on Friday. Rep. Kevin Hern (R-Okla.), chairman of the Republican Study Committee, is also considering jumping into the race.
