A First in our Nation’s History: Removal of the Main Speaker Kevin McCarthy

Written by Naiesha Yerneni on November 5, 2023.

    On Tuesday, October 3rd 2023, U.S. politics would be changed forever. This marked the day when Kevin Owen McCarthy was removed from his position as the main speaker of the House of Representatives. The main speaker’s primary role is to preside over and lead the House's activities. They ensure that debates are orderly, make certain that members follow the rules, and represent the House to the President and the public.  But what does the removal of the speaker mean for us as citizens? Matthew Green, a politics professor, told the Washington Post how this is “uncharted territory”, as the removal of a main speaker has never happened before in the history of the United States. 

    An investigation followed McCarthy’s removal, shedding light on his unlawful behavior.  The investigation revealed that McCarthy had violated several rules governing the conduct of members of Congress. He had used campaign funds for his own personal use and accepted gifts from lobbyists, among other such activities. The investigation closed to a vote of 216-210, as according to CNN a group of eight House Republicans joined with Democrats Tuesday in a historic vote to remove Republican Rep. Kevin McCarthy as speaker.

    According to the Washington Post on October 25, 2023, Congressman Mike Johnson was elected as the new Speaker of the House. Johnson represents the northwest and western regions of Louisiana.

    This abrupt removal has the potential to carry significant implications for citizens, directly influencing their trust in the government and the integrity of the House, while also empowering them to participate in the democratic process actively.

1. The Removal of the main speaker McCarthy shows how the government is truly holding him accountable and not giving leeway to him because he works for them. This plays a pivotal role in restoring our trust in the government as McCarthy's removal signifies a commitment to transparency and accountability within the government. When an investigation was conducted on McCarthy, it showed the commitment the government had toward making sure that elected officials were held to the highest standards of conduct. 

2. The Removal also highlights the House’s integrity as it sets a precedent for ethical performance within the House. It serves as a reminder to other elected officials that the House will not condone unethical behavior. This demonstrates impartial decision-making not only within the House but also within the government, resulting in the prioritization of the public's opinions and best interests.

3. Removing a member of Congress for doing something wrong reminds citizens that they have a say in how things work in politics. It shows them they can make a difference by speaking out and getting involved by being able to proactively see the ongoings in their government and make decisions which directly effect their lives. This can inspire citizens to get more involved in politics because they see that their opinions matter and can help keep their elected officials in check. 

    The removal of Representative Kevin McCarthy from the House of Representatives shows how it affects citizens and the democratic system. It reminds us of the need for accountability, trust, and ethical behavior in government. It strengthens American democracy, ensuring it benefits the people. McCarthy's case tells us that a working democracy depends on citizens getting involved, having strong institutions and a media to hold transparency from the government to its citizens. It upholds important democratic values and the idea that no one is exempt from the law.