SLO County congressman voted to oust Kevin McCarthy as House speaker. Here’s why

Stephanie Zappelli
·2 min read
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Rep. Kevin McCarthy was ousted from his position as speaker of the House on Tuesday, and a Central Coast congressman was among those who voted in favor of removing him.

Rep. Salud Carbajal, a Democrat who represents Santa Barbara County and parts of San Luis Obispo and Ventura counties, said McCarthy’s leadership drove the Republican Party toward “extremist” policies and away from compromising with Democrats.

“For months, the House has seen more and more of our critical work corrupted by the far-right; from holding our budget and debt limit processes hostage for months, to a comprehensive attempt to inject extremist attacks into routine and unrelated bills,” Carbajal said.

“I am also deeply disappointed that while House Republicans claimed in January that they would be focused on critical issues like inflation when taking up their gavels, they have instead focused far more on partisan ideology and pursuing a baseless impeachment.

“While the American people need us to be fighting for them, House Republicans are now just fighting each other,” he said.

“The U.S. House of Representatives needs a new direction, one that returns our focus to govern, putting people over politics, and continuing to make progress on making life easier and more affordable for everyday Americans. For that reason, I voted yes today to vacate the Chair,” Carbajal concluded.

Congressman Salud Carbajal, D-Santa Barbara, addresses the Nuclear Regulatory Commission during its meeting at the Board of Supervisors chambers in San Luis Obispo on May 3, 2023. The commission was in town to discuss the potential relicensing and safety of Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant.
Congressman Salud Carbajal, D-Santa Barbara, addresses the Nuclear Regulatory Commission during its meeting at the Board of Supervisors chambers in San Luis Obispo on May 3, 2023. The commission was in town to discuss the potential relicensing and safety of Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant.

McCarthy, a Republican, represents the southern Central Valley of California.

According to the Associated Press, 216 members of the House of Representatives voted in favor of removing McCarthy from his position, while 210 opposed.

This is the first time in U.S. history that a speaker of the House has been thrown out of the job, the Associated Press reported.

Florida Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz initiated the vote against McCarthy — only two days after the Californian voted with Democrats to pass a temporary funding bill to avoid a government shutdown, according to the Associated Press.

The House of Representatives has not yet chosen McCarthy’s successor.