The halls of the US Capitol are renowned for their marble, history, and stoicism. Yet, behind the heavy wooden doors, the pursuit of power is far less dignified. Just ask Kevin McCarthy.
McCarthy's Grueling Path to the Speaker's Gavel
Reflecting on his arduous 15-round battle for the Speaker's gavel in 2023, the California Republican is now opening up about the power dynamics inside Congress before his abrupt exit. Three years later, where is the 55th Speaker of the House? If you imagine him licking his wounds in quiet retirement, think again. McCarthy serves on the boards of the CIA and the LA Olympics, teaches at USC and Harvard, and has launched both a defense-tech institute and a public affairs firm. His fundraising prowess remains formidable, having raised $31 million last cycle for Republicans, and he is working tirelessly behind the scenes ahead of the upcoming midterms. He is also a frequent commentator on Fox News, CBS, ABC, and others, making several appearances weekly to offer expert political analysis.
Desperate Tears and Ultimatums
Recalling his hard-fought battle for the gavel, McCarthy paints a picture of desperate tears and ultimatums. In one of his most stunning revelations to the Daily Mail, he vividly recalls the panic of colleagues attempting to exploit his bid for the gavel. 'I still remember Congressman Andy Harris literally crying inside the room because he wanted to leverage his vote that I would give him a subcommittee chairmanship on health,' McCarthy reveals. His response was ice-cold: 'I told you a month ago, when you asked, I would never do that.'
Blunt Words on Matt Gaetz
When the conversation turns to Matt Gaetz, the Republican architect of his unprecedented ouster less than a year into his speakership, McCarthy strips away all political correctness. 'He did the motion to vacate the day he responded to the Ethics Committee,' he states bluntly. As for the explosive allegations that ultimately forced Gaetz's resignation, McCarthy still believes he should have been prosecuted for alleged sex crimes in Florida. Despite McCarthy's scathing assessment, Gaetz has never been charged with a crime. 'Innocence makes prosecution very challenging. Kevin obsesses about me. It is pathetic,' Gaetz responded to the Daily Mail. A years-long Department of Justice investigation into sex trafficking allegations concluded in 2023 without any charges. Gaetz has consistently denied all accusations, labeling them a 'smear campaign' and part of an organized extortion plot. The controversy peaked in late 2024 when Trump tapped Gaetz for US Attorney General, but he withdrew his nomination days later due to ethics firestorm and Senate opposition.
Vindication and Future Leadership
Despite the bitter betrayal, McCarthy says he feels vindicated. 'I think they saved America a great deal by Gaetz not being able to get anywhere,' he says of the Senate's refusal to support his former nemesis. While McCarthy acknowledges current Speaker Mike Johnson is 'working hard,' he delivers a blunt reality check on his shelf-life. Unlike Democrats, who 'kept all their leadership' after losing power, Republicans are a different beast. 'If you're the speaker historically in the house as Republicans, if you lose the majority, we do something new and go with new leadership,' he warns.
Eyeing the Bench and 2028
With the clock ticking on a 24-month majority, McCarthy is already eyeing the 'very big bench' of talent ready to step in, naming Jim Jordan, Tom Emmer, August Pfluger, French Hill, Bruce Westerman, and Jason Smith as those ready to do 'the job from all aspects.' On 2028, McCarthy sees a clear frontrunner for the GOP nomination. 'JD Vance has the best chance to do it, if that's what he wants to do,' he says, adding he would be 'extremely proud' to see Marco Rubio as President one day.
Personal Reflections and Future Plans
McCarthy recently dropped $100,000 into Virginia to unsuccessfully stop Democrats from redrawing political maps. As for running again: 'I'm still young enough,' he teases. It's a line that lands differently once you know he started as a 20-year-old from Bakersfield who won $5,000 on a lottery ticket, invested it, opened a deli, and set his sights on the very congressional seat that once rejected his internship application.
