Not content to let George Santos sashay out of Washington alone, former Republican speaker Kevin McCarthy announced on Wednesday that he would leave the House at the end of 2023. In a Wall Street Journal essay declaring his resignation, McCarthy—who was ousted as speaker in October—promised: “My work is only getting started in my next chapter.” (Unfortunately, given the talent that problematic white men have for reinventing themselves, he’s probably right.)
California Governor Gavin Newsom will have just two weeks after McCarthy’s final day in office to call a special election to fill his seat, and so far, contenders abound. It’s too early to say exactly who will prevail in replacing McCarthy, but options being floated include former California Senate minority leader Shannon Grove and Assemblymember Vince Fong. (A MAGA candidate named David Giglio has already thrown his hat into the ring, but the less said about that, the better.)
All told, it couldn’t be a more chaotic time for politicians in general—or Californians more specifically—so I can’t really blame McCarthy for, as he allegedly told donors privately, looking to “get the hell out” of Washington. But hopefully whoever replaces him can avoid being unceremoniously booted out of their elected role.