California Representative Kevin McCarthy (R) has decided to step down from Capitol Hill after he became the first-ever speaker in US history to be ousted from the chair in the middle of a congressional term.

In an op-ed for the Wall Street Journal, McCarthy said that he would focus on "[serving]" America in new ways."

The announcement would further cut the Republican majority after expelling George Santos from the chamber last week. This also meant that the GOP majority would only potentially be down to 220 members compared to 213 Democrats.

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(Photo : Alex Wong/Getty Images)

McCarthy's Role Beyond Capitol Hill Stint

While he did not provide a clear reason for him quitting by the end of the year, McCarthy explained how he would work for the benefit of the GOP and "continue to recruit" for the best and brightest to succeed him in elected office, NBC News reported.

His exit meant that he would depart before the Feb 13 special election to replace Santos.

"Now, it is time to pursue my passion in a new arena," McCarthy added without going into details about his next move.

Despite only being House Speaker for several months, it was the highlight of his very long career as a lawmaker since 2007.

In a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter, House Speaker Mike Johnson said McCarthy "served the American people and his constituents in California's Central Valley with honor for nearly two decades."

Related Article: Ousted Speaker Kevin McCarthy Hints at Re-Running for Position as Republicans Remain Divided