Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) submitted his official resignation from Congress on Tuesday, effective Dec. 31. “It has been the honor of a lifetime to represent the great people and commu…

Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) submitted his official resignation from Congress on Tuesday, effective Dec. 31.

“It has been the honor of a lifetime to represent the great people and communities of Kern, San Luis Obispo, Los Angeles, Tulare, Fresno, and Kings counties over the past 17 years — and especially my hometown of Bakersfield in the central valley of the great state of California,” McCarthy said in a communication to the House, read by the House reading clerk.

McCarthy, who made history as the first Speaker to be formally removed from the post, announced his coming resignation earlier this month, just before California’s deadline to file for reelection.

He said he plans to stay involved in recruiting and mentoring candidates.

With his official resignation, it is possible the already razor-thin House majority could shrink to two members in the coming months, depending on the timing of other planned resignations and special elections.

  • dhork@lemmy.worldEnglish
    4·
    11 months ago

    They’re now 2 seats over the majority

    Not quite, Republicans currently have an 8 seat advantage after Santos’ ouster, 221 to 113, and after Kevin leaves it will be a 7 seat majority.

    It is referred to as a “three vote majority” because in a yes/no vote, Republicans can afford to only have three members vote against the party and still have a measure pass. Once Kevin leaves, though , it will still be 3 votes. There is another Republican planning to leave, though, and if that person leaves before the vacant seats are filed, then we are down to a 2 vote majority.