Breaking: McCarthy Drops Out of Race for House Speaker, Says 'It's Best' to 'Have a New Face'

Monica Sanchez | October 8, 2015
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During what was supposed to be an announcement regarding the House Republican nominee for speaker, House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) withdrew his candidacy.

McCarthy reportedly told House Republicans that he is “not the right one” to lead the conference.

House Speaker John Boehner then stepped up to the podium and announced that a vote for the Republican nominee would be postponed until further notice.



Following the news, Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) said that McCarthy would be the "most significant endorsement" for the future nominee. 

"Not other person came close" to having as many votes as McCarthy, Issa said. 

Watch Issa brief the press here.

UPDATE: McCarthy explained to the press on Thursday that he thinks "it's best" that the House "have a new face" as speaker. 

"I think I shocked some of you," he joked. "I feel good about the decision. I think we're only going to be stronger."

"We should put this conference first," McCarthy said. "I think it's best that we have a new face."

The House Majority Leader added that he does not want to be a "distraction" from the good work being carried out by the House Benghazi committee in light of his recent remarks.

This story is breaking news. Stay tuned for updates.      

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