Kevin McCarthy is out as speaker of the House. Here’s what’s next

By FARNOUSH AMIRI
Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House of Representatives has entered uncharted territory after the success of a last-ditch, right-wing effort to remove fellow Republican Kevin McCarthy from the speakership. A resolution called a motion to vacate was brought forward by Florida Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz and passed Tuesday with the support of eight Republicans and every Democrat present. The effort makes McCarthy the first speaker in history to be removed from office. McCarthy’s subsequent announcement he would not run for the job again clears the path for any Republican to jump in. Some members, including Gaetz, have been broaching potential consensus candidates like Majority Leader Steve Scalise or Whip Tom Emmer who they believe could bring the conference together.