How Kevin McCarthy Went From Small-Town Congressman to House Minority Leader

2023-10-04

Early Political Career - Kevin McCarthy was elected to the California Assembly in 2002 at the age of 33. He was re-elected twice and served as the Republican Leader in the Assembly from 2007 to 2009. In 2006, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, representing California's 22nd congressional district.
Rise to Power - After the Republicans took back the House of Representatives in the 2010 midterm elections, McCarthy was elected Majority Whip, the third-highest position in the House. In 2014, he was elected House Majority Leader, the second-highest position in the House.
House Minority Leader - After the 2018 midterm elections, McCarthy was elected House Minority Leader, the highest-ranking Republican in the House. He is the first Californian to serve as House Minority Leader.
Legislative Accomplishments - During his tenure in the House, McCarthy has focused on fiscal responsibility, jobs and economic growth, and national security. He has also been instrumental in passing several pieces of legislation, including the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 and the 2018 Farm Bill.