Politics can provide its twists here and there. But no one had this on their radar.
And a leading Republican’s retirement announcement leaves Congress stunned.
Congressman Patrick McHenry (R-NC) announced his retirement from the U.S. House on Tuesday.
McHenry was the temporary House speaker earlier this fall after former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) was ousted by a group of Republicans.
“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 released statement.
I will be retiring from Congress at the end of my current term. I believe there is a season for everything and—for me—this season has come to an end. I look forward to what comes next for my family and me.https://t.co/QCVurSYuhm
— Patrick McHenry (@PatrickMcHenry) December 5, 2023
The U.S. Rep. was up for reelection in 2024.
He has also served in Congress since 2005 and worked himself up to chairman of the House Financial Services Committee.
McHenry is considered an ally to Kevin McCarthy who also announced his retirement this week.
Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) was chosen as permanent speaker of the House during McHenry’s temporary run.
And while the North Carolina congressman’s possession of the gavel was short, he did have some key moments.
One of those moments included kicking Reps. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Steny Hoyer (D-MD) from their hideaway offices in the U.S. Capitol.
McHenry’s announcement comes in the wake of a multitude of members of the U.S. House who have declared they are retiring as well.
And while McHenry believes now is the time for him to step away, he also believes that Congress is on “the verge of the next great turn.”
“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 said.
“I’ve seen a lot of change over twenty years. I truly feel this institution is on the verg 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,” McHenry added.
Republicans better be prepared to find a suitable replacement for Rep. McHenry.
Their majority is razor thin in the U.S. House, and they can’t afford to lose another seat.
Stay tuned to The Federalist Wire.
