In McCarthy's Home District, Unyielding Support Amid Imminent Shutdown

At the Kern County Fair this weekend, attendees can enjoy the exciting spectacle of monster trucks in the grandstand, watch all-Alaskan racing pigs squeal in a lively tent, and even have the opportunity to take photos with a life-sized cardboard picture of House Speaker Kevin McCarthy at the county Republican party table. Despite the current legislative chaos in the House of Representatives, which threatens a government shutdown and features Speaker McCarthy as a central figure, the residents of Bakersfield, California, an agricultural and oil-producing region, seem largely unaffected by these national political developments.

In this Republican district within a predominantly Democratic state, Cathy Abernathy, a longtime ally, asserts that belief in McCarthys ability to lead his caucus to a resolution remains unwavering. Abernathy, who is a native of Bakersfield, emphasizes that McCarthy embodies the principles of his city. According to her, "We confront the realities of everyday life in this region. Regardless of external circumstances, we must tend to our crops and harvest them punctually. We must find solutions and persevere. There is no alternative. The people in the Central Valley comprehend the importance of meeting deadlines and the obstacles that challenge us as we endeavor to achieve success. Kevin truly embodies this spirit."

This photo of the Bakersfield High School shows Rep. Kevin McCarthy from his high school days.

From Bakersfield High School

That confidence contrasts to the alarm blaring miles away in the nations capital.

McCarthy's speakership is now at risk as the deadline for a potential government shutdown approaches. Conservative members of the House Republican caucus, who strongly opposed his efforts to secure the role earlier this year, are now threatening to remove him from office. McCarthy has faced opposition from the far-right faction, who reject increased domestic spending and additional aid for Ukraine, resulting in their obstruction of his attempts to prevent a shutdown. Some of these members are even prepared to take action to prevent McCarthy from collaborating with Democrats in passing a short-term government funding bill. "If Speaker McCarthy relies on Democrats to pass a continuing resolution, I would expect him to be swiftly removed from the Speakers office," stated Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz, one of these uncompromising Republican representatives, in an interview with CNN on Wednesday.

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"The government shutdown will occur, and Speaker McCarthy is entirely to blame," he stated.

Taft, California Mayor Dave Noerr downplayed Gaetz's passionate remarks, considering them "absurd." When asked about the intense public pressure affecting McCarthy, Noerr informed CNN that he views it as a typical part of the fierce political battles in Washington, which is nothing unfamiliar for the speaker or the area where McCarthy grew up.

Dave Noerr is the mayor of Taft, a city in McCarthy's congressional district.

Kyung Lah/CNN

Kevin will get this done

In Bakersfield, he is not only the speaker of the House but also known as the son of a firefighter, born and raised in the Central Valley. He is the most renowned representative from this area, with a background that includes attending community college, college, and obtaining a master's degree from here. Despite his below-average grades, which might have suggested a less influential career, the values instilled by his humble hometown have guided McCarthy to his success today.

"We possess resilience," Noerr remarked. "We are diligent and committed, with roots in oil and gas, ranching, and farming. We may not be a rowdy group, but we are determined and capable of accomplishing our goals."

Noerr mentioned McCarthy's struggle within his own party to become the speaker, a battle he eventually triumphed in.

During the 118th Congress, the House Republicans had a narrow majority, leading to a contentious and significant dispute among the group of uncompromising GOP members for control over the speaker's position. After a prolonged voting process that stretched to the fifth day, McCarthy emerged victorious by agreeing to several conditions that diminished the authority of the speakership.

Paul Stine is a conservative from Bakersfield. He's known McCarthy since 1995.

Kyung Lah/CNN

Its the sort of compromise that McCarthy understands must happen in governance, said Abernathy.

"People discussing attempts to bring in moving vans are simply raising funds," commented Abernathy, as he mentioned Gaetz's efforts to maintain national attention. Abernathy emphasized that Kevin McCarthy, without a doubt, will achieve the desired outcome, regardless of the approach taken. Bakersfield conservative Paul Stine has had a longstanding association with McCarthy since 1995, engaging in political battles since their early days as young Republicans. Initially, Stine perceived McCarthy as leaning towards centrism and likened him more to Arnold Schwarzenegger rather than Donald Trump.

Kevin's adaptability was acknowledged by Stine, but this time Matt Gaetz is obstructing his ability to adapt. Gaetz and his colleagues are impeding the passage of the budget in the House unless Kevin cooperates with the Democrats. This political setback for the right wing would be difficult for Stine to accept. However, it aligns with McCarthy's consistent trait of prioritizing political survival in his career.

Stine said, "I dont know what his exit plan today is, but he is the most adaptable politician I have ever seen in my life."