McCarthy on Trump’s role in Speaker race: ‘Only members vote’

Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) would not say Friday who he supports in the race to replace him, but he did note that former President Trump would not be among those voting, despite his endorsement of Rep. Jim. Jordan (R-Ohio).

“Only members vote,” McCarthy told reporters when asked for his opinion on Trump. “I think the members can sit down and they can make the decision.”

Trump, who has been floated as a potential replacement for McCarthy after he was ousted from the role earlier this week, had said Thursday that he would step in as a temporary Speaker “if necessary.”

While the Speaker does not technically need to be a member of Congress, current House rules would seemingly bar Trump from such a possibility due to his criminal indictments.

The former president threw his support behind Jordan later Thursday night, giving the Ohio lawmaker a boost in his effort to win the gavel. Jordan and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) are seen as the top contenders for the job.

“He is a STRONG on Crime, Borders, our Military/Vets, & 2nd Amendment. Jim, his wife, Polly, & family are outstanding – He will be a GREAT Speaker of the House, & has my Complete & Total Endorsement!” Trump posted on Truth Social.

Asked if either Scalise or Jordan had approached him for advice, McCarthy indicated that they had.

“They’re both good friends,” he told reporters. “I’ve talked to both of them.”

His comments come after rumors started swirling that the former Speaker was considering resigning from Congress. McCarthy, however, announced Friday that he did not intend to resign and would run for reelection in 2024.

Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) arrives to the Capitol on Friday, October 6, 2023. (Mattie Neretin)

“I’m not resigning. I got a lot more work to do,” he told reporters.

“We’re gonna keep the majority,” McCarthy added. I’m going to help the people I got here and we’re going to expand it further.”

The California Republican was removed from the top House position Tuesday after a historic vote, led by Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.). Gaetz was joined by seven other Republicans and all of the Democratic lawmakers present in passing the motion to vacate the Speakership.

Following the ouster, McCarthy said he would not again run for the gavel, paving the way for Jordan and Scalise to jump into the fray.

“From the day I entered politics, my initial mission has always been to make tomorrow better than today. I fought for what I believe in, and I believe in this country of America,” McCarthy said in a press conference. “My goals have not changed. My ability to fight is just in a different form.”

Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.) is serving as the Speaker pro tempore, as the House scrambles to fill the role on a permanent basis.

Mychael Schnell contributed reporting.