Matt Gaetz Outlines Opposition to Kevin McCarthy as GOP Revolt Rages

Representative Matt Gaetz recently outlined why some Republicans are opposing Kevin McCarthy's bid to become the next Speaker of the House as the battle to select who will lead the House of Representatives continues.

Following the midterm elections last month, Republicans picked up enough seats to narrowly win control of the House, despite underwhelming results in several key races. The GOP is set to enter the new Congress with control of 222 seats, setting up a contentious House speaker race.

McCarthy, the California Republican who currently serves as the House minority leader, must win support from right-wing social conservatives as well as more moderate Republicans representing districts won by President Joe Biden to win enough support to be named speaker.

With less than one month until Congress reconvenes, McCarthy is facing opposition from some of the party's most conservative members, who are threatening to derail his speakership bid.

Gaetz, a Florida Republican, is one of those members who said he would not support McCarthy. During a recent appearance on Steve Bannon's War Room, he detailed exactly why he won't vote in favor of him, raising concerns that he has not done enough to oppose Biden, and described the GOP's opposition to McCarthy as a "break up."

"When someone says, I will never leave, it isn't exactly the battle cry of an inspirational leader. It sounds more like someone who can't accept a breakup. In the case of Kevin McCarthy and the Republican conference, this is no no fault divorce. There are things Kevin McCarthy did to erode the trust of the members he needs to vote for him if he wants to be speaker," the GOP lawmaker said.

Specifically, Gaetz pointed to McCarthy not blocking Democrats from passing budget bills, pushing for immigration bills that included amnesty and not doing more to hold accountable government officials who opposed former President Donald Trump.

"While you see various spasms of conservatism or purported conservatism directed at big tech or [Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas], remember that Kevin McCarthy has been holding up a shield to protect some of the dangerous elements of society that have harmed conservatives. And I don't think that he has passed the test of leadership," Gaetz said.

Seven Republicans List Demands to Support McCarthy

On Thursday, seven House Republicans sent McCarthy a letter outlining their demands to receive their support, another sign of potential dissent from some members of his own party. McCarthy is facing a challenge from Arizona Representative Andy Biggs, who has attacked McCarthy as the "establishment" candidate.

They demanded a return to single subject bills, 72 hours for a final bill text, leadership not getting involved in primary elections, the appointment of conservative Republicans on the House Rules Committee and a commitment to not raising the debt ceiling, among others.

The letter was signed by Representatives Scott Perry, Chip Roy, Dan Bishop, Andrew Clyde, Paul Gosar, as well as newly elected Eli Crane and Andy Ogles, according to The Hill on Thursday.

Democrat Proposes 'Unity' Speaker

As Republicans struggle to unify behind a speaker, some Democrats are hoping for a more moderate speaker who could receive support from both parties.

"I am open to the historic possibility of a unity candidate for speaker who puts the needs of the nation first with an agenda of making us a manufacturing superpower again, a technology leader, and more self-reliant," Representative Ro Khanna, a California Democrat, said during an appearance on Fox News this week.

Representative Liz Cheney and former Representative Justin Amash have both been named as potential candidates who could receive bipartisan support.

Newsweek reached out to McCarthy's office for comment.