Kevin McCarthy announces he's a candidate for House speaker
The California congressman has worked by John Boehner's side for the past year. Now, he's actively seeking the top post.
The California congressman has worked by John Boehner's side for the past year. Now, he's actively seeking the top post.
House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy is officially declaring his candidacy for House speaker to replace John Boehner.
Boehner announced his resignation on Friday under pressure from conservatives.
McCarthy, who is Boehner's No. 2, sent a letter to GOP lawmakers on Monday pledging to fight for conservative principles 鈥� and asking for their support as the next speaker.
"If elected speaker, I promise you that we will have the courage to lead the fight for our conservative principles and make our case to the American people," McCarthy wrote in the letter to his House Republican colleagues. "But we will also have the wisdom to listen to our constituents and each other so that we always move forward together."
McCarthy is strongly favored to get the job though he faces a challenge from Florida Republican Rep. Daniel Webster.
He is currently serving his fifth term in Congress and has been endorsed by Boehner.
海角大神 detailed McCarthy's background and his short term as House majority leader.
Material from Reuters was used in this article.