October 3, 2023
The office of Speaker of the House of the United States House of Representatives is hereby declared vacant.
United States Rep. Steve Womack (R-AR) after a vote ousted as speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy from his job – a historic first.
Why It Matters: Following a 216-210 vote in favor of his dismissal, McCarthy becomes the first speaker of the House ousted from the role. This comes after Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) filed a rare motion to vacate in the House on Monday evening, garnering enough support from Democrats and a small group of Republicans to force McCarthy out.
Big Picture: The Associated Press explains: “Next steps are uncertain, but there is no obvious successor to lead the House Republican majority. … It was a stunning moment for the battle-tested McCarthy, a punishment fueled by growing grievances but sparked by his weekend decision to work with Democrats to keep the federal government open rather than risk a shutdown.”
McCarthy becomes the first speaker ever to be ousted from the job in a House vote (The Associated Press)
Speaker Vote: Far-Right G.O.P. Faction Throws House Into Chaos as McCarthy is Ousted (The New York Times)
by Leah Grainery, based in Texas
