The House Republican Conference decided to postpone electing a new Speaker of the House when Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) announced he is dropping out of the running.
Rep. Darrell Issa said the conference was “shocked” at McCarthy’s announcement.
McCarthy reportedly said he was not the man to lead and that the country wanted a new leadership and a new face.
McCarthy, Rep. Daniel Webster (R-FL), and Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) were all in the running, but according to Issa, none of them could get the 218 votes from the full House to officially become Speaker of the House on October 29th.
“Kevin McCarthy had the vast majority of the conference’s confidence and votes,” Issa told reporters. “I believe he couldn’t get to 218 and as a result he’s taking himself out of the running.”
“I believe he’s going to be the most influential voice,” Issa added, saying he remains the Majority Leader.
The date for the new election has not formally been announced.
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