House Speaker Paul Ryan threw his weight behind Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) as a replacement for when he retires from his position in January. The Wisconsin Republican told NBC Friday that “Kevin’s the right guy to step up.” Although, it’s unclear how much Ryan’s endorsement would boost McCarthy’s prospects. The Majority Leader jockeyed to replace former Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) in 2015 but abruptly bowed out of the race, citing a potential lack of support from the party at the time, particularly from the conservative Freedom Caucus. And Rep. John Garamendi (D-CA) thinks that even with Ryan’s backing this time, McCarthy may get a little *déjà vu*. “Given the extraordinary fracture that exists in the Republican caucus between the more normal Republicans and the Freedom Caucus, it’s nearly an impossible task,” Gramendi told Cheddar Friday. Additionally, half of the district that McCarthy represents relies on Medicaid, which is something the GOP wants to cut. Taking the party position as Speaker could damage McCarthy’s standing with his constituents, said Garamendi. Ryan announced earlier this week he would not seek re-election, leaving the Republican party scrambling to find a replacement. Other potential candidates for Speaker include Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA), who was shot at a congressional baseball practice last year, and Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH), who heads the Freedom Caucus. But that’s only part of the party’s problem. Ryan’s retirement also suggests that the GOP could find it tough to hold onto its majority in the House at the midterm elections. For full interview, [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/rep-garamendi-d-ca-president-trump-is-destroying-the-american-government).

Share:
More In Politics
McCarthy Struggles for Debt Bill Votes, Makes Late Changes
House Republicans made post-midnight changes to their sweeping debt ceiling package to win over holdouts, as Speaker Kevin McCarthy pushed ahead Wednesday with plans to launch debate and round up support from his slim majority for a vote this week.
Biden Thanks 'Tennessee Three' for 'Standing Up' for Gun Control
Three Tennessee lawmakers who became Democratic heroes for facing expulsion after participating in gun control protests visited the White House on Monday, describing themselves as “representatives of a movement" that is demanding greater restrictions on firearms to save lives.
Speaker McCarthy Faces Big Test as Debt Bill Heads for Vote
Speaker Kevin McCarthy is hurtling toward one of the most consequential weeks of the new House Republican majority as he labors to pass a partisan package that would raise the nation's debt limit by $1.5 trillion in exchange for steep cuts that some in his own party oppose.
Biden Announces 2024 Reelection Bid: 'Let’s Finish This Job'
President Joe Biden on Tuesday formally announced that he is running for reelection in 2024, asking voters to give him more time to “finish this job” he began when he was sworn into office and to set aside their concerns about extending the run of America’s oldest president for another four years.
Load More