Staff Reports
Kevin McCarthy, the former Speaker of the House, is facing criticism from the people of Bakersfield, California as he announces his departure from Congress. McCarthy, who took over as Speaker in January and was later ousted by House Republicans in October, revealed in an Op-Ed that he will be leaving Congress at the end of the month. In his piece, he expressed his desire to serve America in new ways and pledged to continue recruiting talented individuals to run for elected office. However, his decision to leave office early has not been well received by some in his hometown.
Ouch: Kevin McCarthy Mercilessly Torched by Hometown After Revealing Retirement Decision https://t.co/G6sJ1PnuZv pic.twitter.com/CubclUFMc8
— Gaby (@gabymixH) December 11, 2023
Greg Perrone, the president of the Greater Bakersfield Republican Assembly, speculated that McCarthy’s departure may be motivated by feelings of humiliation and embarrassment after the challenges he faced. While Perrone understood those emotions, he expressed disappointment that McCarthy did not finish his elected term. Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida took a more direct approach with his reaction, referring to McCarthy as “McLeavin'” on social media.
Local newspaper readers were also quick to share their thoughts on McCarthy’s departure. One reader, Raymond Hedrick, bid him farewell with a not-so-subtle jab: “So long, Kevin McCarthy. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out.” Barbara Steward, another Bakersfield resident, criticized McCarthy for not prioritizing the needs of his constituents. She accused him of being more concerned with personal ambition than with representing the people who elected him. Steward suggested that McCarthy should have spent his last year in office focusing on passing meaningful legislation instead of quitting mid-term.
It seems that McCarthy’s decision to leave Congress early has left a sour taste in the mouths of some Bakersfield residents. Whether these sentiments have any long-term impact on McCarthy’s political career remains to be seen.
