After being removed from his position as speaker of the House on Tuesday, Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., addresses the media.
It is the first time in history that a House speaker has been removed in this manner after the House voted to fire Kevin McCarthy as speaker.
The final result was 216-210 in favor of the motion to "vacate the chair." All of the Democrats present joined eight Republicans, led by Florida Representative Matt Gaetz, in voting against McCarthy.
McCarthy informed journalists in the Capitol that he will not seek re-election as speaker.
"I leave the speakership with a sense of pride, accomplishment, and yes, optimism," he declared. "I won't seek reelection as speaker. I'll request that the conference choose someone else.
McCarthy stated that he did not regret his differences with party members, which ultimately contributed to his downfall.
Negotiating was not something I regret, McCarthy added. "Our government is built to reach agreements,"
Now that McCarthy's defectors have not selected a replacement speaker, the House will be compelled to vote on a new speaker, ushering Congress into uncharted terrain. It's doubtful that any additional Republican could garner sufficient support to take the gavel.
With the vote, McCarthy's tense speakership comes to an end. It took him 15 vote rounds to win the job in January. Additionally, hardliners in his party have recently obstructed his attempts to enact a short-term spending plan in order to avert a government shutdown.
