Kevin McCarthy is an American politician who presently serves California's 20th congressional district and previously served as the 55th speaker of the United States House of Representatives. His time as speaker of the House was cut short when the House voted him out and stripped him of the position on Oct. 3, 2023. He first served as a representative of California's 22nd Congressional district from 2007 until 2013 and also represented the state's 23rd district before serving the 20th district.
Previously, from 2014 until 2019, McCarthy served as House Majority Leader under former GOP Speakers of the House John Boehner and Paul Ryan. McCarthy is a longtime conservative politician with the Republican Party from California. While in college, he was the chair of the California Young Republicans and led the Young Republican National Federation. Moreover, prior to joining the U.S. Congress, McCarthy enjoyed a prominent career in California statewide politics. He served in the state assembly from 2002 to 2006 and was the minority leader for the Republicans from 2004 to 2006.
After being elected to Congress, McCarthy soon climbed the ranks of leadership within the House GOP during his second term, first as the Republican Chief Deputy Whip from 2009 until 2011. After the 2010 midterm elections that saw the GOP take control of the House, McCarthy became the majority whip, serving from 2011 until 2014. However, when Eric Cantor was defeated by a Tea Party conservative challenger in 2014, McCarthy replaced him as Majority Whip. After Democrats retook the House in 2018, McCarthy was elected minority leader after former Speaker Ryan retired.
From 2019 until January 2023, McCarthy served as House Minority Leader. McCarthy's ascent to the speakership was marred by opposition as members of his own party failed to elect him until the 15th ballot on Jan. 7, 2023.
