U.S. Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) says that he will not be resigning from Congress following his recent ouster from the House speakership position.
In fact, according to The Hill, McCarthy is planning on seeking reelection to the House.
After McCarthy lost the speakership, Politico put out a report claiming that McCarthy was thinking about resigning his House seat.
Per the outlet: "Kevin McCarthy is considering resigning from the House before the end of his term, two people familiar with the matter told POLITICO."
This report got the rumor mill going. But, McCarthy squashed both Politico's report - and the subsequent rumors of his resignation - within hours of its publication.
McCarthy did so when he briefly spoke to reporters at the Capitol on Friday.
"I’m still here finishing my job," McCarthy said. He added, "No, I’m not resigning. I’m staying. So, don’t worry. I’m going to help the people I got here and we’re going to expand it further."
McCarthy, during this brief exchange with reporters, also revealed that he has spoken to the two frontrunners to succeed him as speaker.
Since McCarthy's ouster, there have been two names that have consistently cropped up in talks about replacing McCarthy, namely, U.S. Reps. Steve Scalise (R-LA), who is the current House Majority Leader, and Jim Jordan (R-OH), who is the current House Judiciary Committee chairman.
Other names have certainly entered into the discussion. But, both Jordan's and Scalise's names have come up the most. And, both men appear to have some serious support.
Scalise is reported to already have garnered the support of some big-name House Republicans, including Majority Whip Tom Emmer, (R-MN). and Chief Deputy Whip Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA).
Jordan, on the other hand, has received the coveted endorsement of former President Donald Trump. After highlighting Jordan's background, Trump, in part, on Friday wrote:
[Jordan] is 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!
Part of the answer is Trump's endorsement. But, the other part is Scalise's health. Newsmax reports:
A victim of serious gunshot wounds, Scalise is currently battling cancer and is being treated with chemotherapy. Scalise wears a facial mask in meetings and keeps distance from staffers due to immunity concerns. He occasionally uses crutches to walk.
Accordingly, there are concerns that Scalise would not be able to withstand the rigors of the speakership position.
