House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) announced his candidacy for Speaker of the House Monday, just days after John Boehner said he plans to resign the seat next month.
McCarthy has been hailed as a likely successor for Boehner, who announced he would leave Congress on Friday. The five-term congressman is the fastest-rising party leader in at least a century, according to the Washington Post.
The same Tea Partiers who cheered Boehner’s demise are likely to prove a challenge for McCarthy, whose leadership record places him firmly among the more moderate members of the party.
He tweeted about the decision:
After hearing from my colleagues, I have decided to run for Speaker of the House. Let’s work together to make a difference for our country.
— Kevin McCarthy (@GOPLeader) September 28, 2015
I am running for Speaker to work with my colleagues and make the case to the American people for conservative principles.
— Kevin McCarthy (@GOPLeader) September 28, 2015
I am running for Speaker because I know the People’s House works best when leadership listens to Members & respects the legislative process.
— Kevin McCarthy (@GOPLeader) September 28, 2015
This story has been updated.
