Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has officially retired from Congress, leaving the House Republican majority with a slim three-seat advantage. The House recently gathered for a pro-forma session to update the number of seats held by members of Congress, reflecting McCarthy’s departure which became effective on December 31, 2023. With McCarthy’s resignation and the removal of former New York GOP Rep. George Santos, House Republicans now hold 220 seats in the lower chamber, while House Democrats control 213 seats.
The departure of McCarthy and Santos has put House Republicans in a precarious position under the new leadership of Speaker Mike Johnson. With a three-seat majority, Johnson must ensure that there are no more than three defectors within his party, as a united Democratic vote could sway the outcome of any measure. McCarthy’s resignation came after he was removed from the speakership by a coalition of eight Republicans led by Rep. Matt Gaetz and supported by every Democrat present in the chamber.
The House breakdown is expected to change again soon, as New York Democrat Rep. Brian Higgins plans to resign in February to take a position at Buffalo, New York’s Shea’s Performing Arts Center. This will provide some breathing room for House Republicans, at least temporarily. Additionally, a special election to replace George Santos in Congress is scheduled for February 13, 2024, in New York’s Third Congressional District. If the seat flips to the Democrats, it would further narrow the GOP majority.
McCarthy, in his final interview as a sitting member of Congress, expressed his disappointment with the actions of Rep. Gaetz and warned that history will not judge him favorably. Meanwhile, Speaker Johnson faces the challenge of maintaining party unity and navigating a closely divided House.
As the House Republicans adjust to their new reality, the political landscape in Congress remains volatile. The decisions and actions of key players will continue to shape the direction of legislation and policy in the United States. Stay tuned for more updates from the 2024 campaign trail and exclusive interviews with political figures.
