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Kevin McCarthy Making His Move for Minority Leader Position

California Republican says he can win back House majority for GOP in 2020

House Majority Leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., is ready to switch titles after Democrats flipped the House Tuesday night. (Sarah Silbiger/CQ Roll Call file photo)
House Majority Leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., is ready to switch titles after Democrats flipped the House Tuesday night. (Sarah Silbiger/CQ Roll Call file photo)

Rep. Kevin McCarthy sent a letter to his colleagues Wednesday formally announcing his bid for minority leader, arguing that he can help Republicans win back the majority in 2020 after their losses last night.

“I helped build a majority from a deeper hole than this and I have what it takes to do it again,” the California Republican said. “That is why I have decided to run for Republican Leader and humbly ask for your support.”

Freedom Caucus co-founder Jim Jordan has also announced he is running for minority leader. All eyes remain on Steve Scalise, who has yet to announce whether he’d challenge McCarthy for minority leader or run for minority whip. When Roll Call asked Scalise about the possibility he’d run for minority leader against McCarthy last week, the Louisiana Republican did not rule it out. 

Watch: Now That That’s Over (Mostly) Roll Call Looks Ahead to 2020

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Photos of the week ending December 8, 2023