House GOP throws a party for former Speaker McCarthy

While House Republicans await Kevin McCarthy’s decision on whether to seek reelection — or even stay in Congress — after his eviction as speaker, they’re planning to throw him a party.

The House GOP’s campaign arm has invited members to a reception on Dec. 13 that thanks the ousted speaker for his “tireless work in support” of their electoral efforts “and delivering our House majority,” according to a copy of the invitation obtained by POLITICO.

Rep. Richard Hudson (R-N.C.), the head of the National Republican Congressional Committee, is the lead name on the call to toast the man who has “done so much for each one of us.” The rest of Republican leaders are featured on the digital invitation below Hudson’s name, including McCarthy’s successor Speaker Mike Johnson.

The 3-hour party, whose location is disclosed only to attendees, comes as many Republicans watch eagerly to see what McCarthy does next after eight GOP colleagues joined a unified Democratic caucus in stripping his gavel in October. Some believe he could resign his seat now that the chaotic three-week clamor to replace him has settled down.

“Is this a going-away party?” one House Republican asked upon receiving the invitation, hinting at the rampant speculation about McCarthy’s future.

Other Republicans wonder if McCarthy will stay in office to prevent the party from facing an even thinner majority, particularly after the House expelled scandal-plagued New Yorker George Santos from Congress last week. The GOP is also expected to lose Rep. Bill Johnson (R-Ohio) before next year’s election, as he leaves for a new job in academia.

The deadline for McCarthy to file for reelection is Friday, a deadline that could offer a glimpse about his plans. But even if he opts to file to run again, some Republicans note that such a move wouldn’t stop him from leaving Congress shortly thereafter.