‘Distressing’: Experts Warn That Exodus Of Senior House GOP Members Spells Trouble For Republicans
'These Republicans may be the canaries in the coal mine'
Rep. Patrick McHenry plans to retire at the end of his term, and a former Green Beret has launched a bid to take his place
Republican Rep. Patrick McHenry of North Carolina has announced plans to retire from Congress after finishing his current term. By the time his term ends in early 2025, McHenry will have been serving in the House for two decades.
"I will be retiring from Congress at the end of my current term. This is not a decision I come to lightly, but I believe there is a season for everything and—for me—this season has come to an end," McHenry said in a statement. "I look forward to what the next season brings for my family and me."
The lawmaker expressed optimism about the future of the House of Representatives.
"There has been a great deal of handwringing and ink spilled about the future of this institution because some—like me—have decided to leave. Those concerns are exaggerated," he asserted. "I've seen a lot of change over twenty years. I truly feel this institution is on the verge of the next great turn. Whether it's 1974, 1994, or 2010, we’ve seen the House evolve over time. Evolutions are often lumpy and disjointed, but at each stage, new leaders emerge. There are many smart and capable members who remain, and others are on their way. I'm confident the House is in good hands."
Earlier this year, after Rep. Kevin McCarthy was ousted from his post as House speaker, McHenry acted as speaker pro tempore. Weeks after the removal of McCarthy, Rep. Mike Johnson (R-La.) was selected as the new House speaker.
Former Green Beret Pat Harrigan has announced a bid to fill the congressional seat. "Harrigan brings seven-figure resources and has hired Congressman McHenry's former campaign Manager, Eduardo Andrade, to manage his campaign," a press release notes.
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Jim Jordan plans to press forward in speakership bid despite back-to-back losses
After failing to secure the House speakership in two votes so far, GOP Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio plans to forge ahead in his bid to win the gavel.
In what was likely a reference to the idea of ending the legislative chamber's paralysis by temporarily empowering Speaker Pro Tempore Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.), Jordan said that in a bid to "lower the temperature and get back to work" a pitch was made to members on a resolution, but it was decided that they would not go in that direction. He said that he is still running for the speakership and intends to win the contest, and wanted to speak to the lawmakers who had voted against him.
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But Jordan faces an uphill battle. In the first round he earned 200 votes, before slipping to 199 during the second round of balloting when 22 Republicans voted for someone other than him.
The House has been paralyzed since Rep. Kevin McCarthy of California was ousted from the speakership earlier this month. McCarthy had won the job after 15 rounds of balloting in January.
GOP Rep. Jack Bergman's communications director James Hogge has noted that the lawmaker would be willing to serve as speaker if Jordan cannot secure the support necessary to win the gavel. Bergman voted for Jordan in the two votes held so far.
Earlier this month, former President Donald Trump indicated that he would be willing to temporarily serve as speaker if Republicans fail to pick someone to fill the slot. "I will do it if necessary, should they not be able to make their decision," Trump noted, according to Fox News Digital. Trump has endorsed Jordan for speaker.
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