It was known for several years that Kevin McCarthy wanted to be the Speaker of the House. After the 2022 midterms, where Republicans took control of Congress, he was soon to get his chance.
While McCarthy really wanted the job, it didn't seem that his fellow Republicans wanted him. The California Congressman had to go through a series of humiliating votes before securing the position. But less than a year after, a group of GOP Reps, led by Matt Gaetz, were able to remove him from the post with the help of Democrats.
McCarthy is now just a normal member of the House and doesn't seem happy about it. In November, the California Rep elbowed GOP Rep. Tim Burchett when Burchett was giving an interview. The Tennesee lawmaker was part of the group that ejected McCarthy.
The California Rep. said of the incident, "I guess our elbows hit as I walked by. If I would hit somebody, they would I know hit them."
Considering McCarthy's recent behavior, Democrat Eric Swalwell doesn't think he's long for his job. He took to Twitter this weekend, writing, "With Santos gone, you’re hearing it here first: the next GOP member to leave Congress will be @SpeakerMcCarthy. No way he stays. A guy who kidney punches his colleagues from behind is too afraid to serve out a full term with them. I bet he’s gone by end of year. What say you?"