Turmoil Unleashed: Explosive Fallout as McCarthy's Ouster Triggers Vengeful House Showdown

As Kevin McCarthy faced the possibility of losing his speakership, a few of his supporters issued an indirect warning to GOP Rep. Nancy Mace from South Carolina. They suggested that if she chose to vote against McCarthy, the party may not support her fundraising efforts for her own race.

This warning, as reported by a knowledgeable source, demonstrates the extent to which the speaker controversy has unsettled the Republican party. In Washington, money is frequently utilized as a potent incentive or deterrent.

However, Mace, a Republican who may face tough competition and requires substantial campaign funds for re-election, ultimately sided with seven other GOP lawmakers and all Democrats to undermine McCarthy. This act of defiance could have significant consequences for her career, including potential expulsion from the moderate-leaning Republican Governance Group, according to sources mentioned by CNN.

This is just one example of the far-reaching effects caused by the shocking vote to remove the current speaker on Tuesday. The aftermath has deeply divided the GOP, leaving them scrambling to regain stability. While much of the criticism is aimed at Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz, who led the rebellion against McCarthy, Republicans are also directing their anger towards their Democratic counterparts. They are furious that the Democrats sided with Gaetz, causing chaos in the House and holding McCarthy accountable for government funding through their votes.

The GOP leadership scramble to replace McCarthy has commenced, while rank-and-file Republicans caution potential speaker candidates about the urgent need to mend the deeply divided conference. Representative Kelly Armstrong, a trusted ally of McCarthy, acknowledges the high tension within the party and emphasizes that future speakers must guarantee that no single GOP member will ever attempt to remove them.

"The upcoming speaker should prioritize mastering the art of negotiation with the unfamiliar before assuming the role, as undoubtedly they will be required to do so later," stated Armstrong.

"This election is far from ordinary," he commented on the speakers' competition. "Unfortunately, it appears that too many individuals are approaching it with that mindset."

The high-stakes drama has not only sparked threats to remove GOP colleagues from the conference but has also jeopardized key bipartisan working relationships. This comes at a crucial time as another government funding deadline looms, prompting internal conversations about revising the House rules. These complications further hinder any speaker candidates' bid to win the gavel. Additionally, sources claim that former Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Rep. Steny Hoyer were abruptly removed from their Capitol office spaces at the request of McCarthy. This move has exacerbated tensions within the House, leaving it paralyzed until a new speaker is elected. Representative Garret Graves, an ally of McCarthy, acknowledged the growing frustration among colleagues, stating that the intense atmosphere during a recent Republican meeting could have resulted in physical altercations.

Rep. Matt Gaetz speaks to reporters at the Capitol in Washington on October 3, 2023.

Mark Schiefelbein/AP

Chaos caucus members

Gaetz, having long frustrated his colleagues and capitalizing on his campaign to remove McCarthy, is likely to face significant backlash from his fellow members. Sources indicate that it wouldn't be unexpected for the topic of expelling Gaetz from the conference to be raised at their upcoming official meeting. During the meeting, there may be a motion made to consider his removal.

Membership in the Republican conference is a privilege, not an entitlement. However, removing someone requires a two-thirds majority vote for it to be successful.

"In my view, Rep. Mike Lawler, a newly elected representative from New York, expressed his agreement on expelling Gaetz from the House GOP Conference, citing his behavior as "disgraceful."

On the other hand, Rep. Greg Murphy, a Republican from North Carolina, mentioned that he would withhold his decision on supporting Gaetz's expulsion until the House Ethics Committee completes its investigation into his conduct.

Murphy expressed his disappointment, stating that he finds it particularly disheartening that Gaetz's efforts to remove McCarthy are clearly driven by personal and political motives. He added that it seems to stem from a personal grudge against the speaker.

Rep. Dave Joyce of Ohio, who heads the Republican Governance Group, took a stronger stance by stating that not a single one of the eight individuals who oppose McCarthy should be included in their conference.

"I fail to comprehend how they can truly be considered participants in a conference when they enter the premises, attentively witness the ongoing discussions, and subsequently venture outside to launch explosive assaults into the midst," Joyce expressed during an appearance on CNN's "Inside Politics." "Engaging in conversations with such individuals is futile and unproductive."

Rep. Steve Scalise and Rep. Jim Jordan.

Getty Images, Politico via AP

Scalise and Jordan announce their candidacy for House speaker following McCarthy's removal. There is also outrage among certain members over Gaetz and Mace's fundraising efforts, with Graves suggesting that it "ought to be deemed unlawful."

Mr. Gaetz is solely motivated by personal gain, and I strongly feel that he should face expulsion," stated Ohio Republican Representative Max Miller in an interview with CNN. However, he has not yet decided how he will vote on the matter.

Sharing a similar sentiment, Georgia Representative Austin Scott referred to the eight individuals as "anarchists" and members of the "chaos caucus."

Sen. Markwayne Mullin, a former House member and a staunch ally of McCarthy, further highlighted the deteriorating state of affairs by making explicit claims concerning Gaetz's behavior. Mullin revealed that Gaetz used to boast about his ability to consume erectile dysfunction medication and follow it up with an energy drink to prolong his stamina throughout the entire night. This revelation was shared by the Oklahoma Republican during his conversation with CNN.

Gaetz dismissed Mullin's accusations, stating that they hold no credibility. According to Gaetz, he has barely exchanged a few words with Markwayne Mullin during their time on the House floor. Gaetz further labeled the accusation as a falsehood from an individual who is unfamiliar with him and is struggling to come to terms with the end of his friend Kevin's political career. Gaetz concluded by offering his thoughts and prayers.

Bipartisan relationships on thin ice

Republicans, including moderate members, are just as furious with their Democratic counterparts. Some Democrats had initially suggested that they might support McCarthy, but in the end, they voted together with the rest of their party to remove the speaker.

Republican members of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus are contemplating leaving the group collectively, potentially rendering it irrelevant, states a Republican lawmaker. The Republicans within the Caucus will convene as a cohesive unit next week to determine their next course of action. Comprised of an equal number of Republicans and Democrats, the Caucus played a key role in formulating a bipartisan proposal for government funding and was engaging in talks concerning joint efforts to utilize a unique procedural tactic to avoid an imminent shutdown, with Congress possibly facing this issue once again on November 17.

Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, the Republican co-chair of the Problem Solvers Caucus, issued a strong statement on Wednesday, criticizing both his Democratic and Republican colleagues. He also emphasized the challenges that lie ahead for bipartisanship.

"The concept of bipartisanship and the integrity of Congress suffered a significant blow yesterday. A handful of extremists, supported by a larger group of enablers, prioritized their personal grudges and political agendas over the well-being of our nation," he stated.

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Democrats appear to be eager to move on from the turbulent period of this Congress. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who decided against saving McCarthy, released a statement on Wednesday, expressing good wishes for McCarthy's future and acknowledging their cordial and forward-thinking relationship.

In an effort to prevent a repeat of the chaos that led to McCarthy's downfall, Republicans are now actively working to establish stricter protocols regarding the removal of a speaker. With the objective of maintaining their slim majority in the upcoming year, some Republicans are insisting that support for the speaker be contingent upon these new rules. Consequently, this will make it considerably more difficult for anyone to assume the role of speaker, particularly as hardline Republicans demand the continuation of the rules that McCarthy agreed to in order to secure the position in January.

The Main Street Group, focused on business interests, stated on Wednesday that one person's power to remove the speaker of the House will continue to control this institution until 2024. The group demanded that any speaker candidate should provide assurance that the events of Tuesday will be prevented from recurring. Even Mitch McConnell, the Senate Minority Leader known to avoid involvement in House affairs, urged Republicans to eliminate this tool.

"I have no advice for House Republicans, except this: I hope the next speaker swiftly eliminates the motion to vacate," stated McConnell. "I believe it renders the speaker's role unattainable. The American public anticipates a well-functioning government."

Report contributions by CNN's Annie Grayer, Haley Talbot, and Lauren Fox.