California Becomes Crucial Battleground for Control of the House
WASHINGTON — As Kevin McCarthy announces his departure from Congress, his Republican colleagues are preparing for the significant implications this will have on their campaign support and institutional knowledge. With McCarthy’s home state of California playing a decisive role in the fight for control of the House, the loss of his presence could put Republicans at a disadvantage in the upcoming elections.
California holds the districts of five Republicans who won in districts President Biden carried in 2020. McCarthy’s departure means the absence of a political powerhouse who not only encouraged many GOP members to run but was also a highly successful fundraiser. Speaker Mike Johnson, McCarthy’s replacement, has minimal experience in political leadership and adopts hard-line social conservative stances that may not resonate well in the districts that will determine House control.
McCarthy’s political strength lies in his ability to recruit candidates, raise funds, and build influential networks. His departure leaves a void in campaign expertise and valuable connections. Johnson, although working hard to establish relationships with key donors and receiving assistance from McCarthy’s circle, starts at a disadvantage in terms of fundraising.
The absence of McCarthy’s understanding of California politics is another blow to vulnerable Republicans in the state. With no House GOP leaders from California or New York, two states seen as crucial for determining House control, Republican strategists acknowledge the loss but emphasize their commitment to investing heavily in California.
McCarthy has pledged to continue supporting the GOP in retaining its House majority by recruiting talented candidates. However, his reduced involvement following his retirement announcement is evident. Johnson, on the other hand, is maintaining the infrastructure of major fundraising groups and the National Republican Congressional Committee, but faces the challenge of stepping into a leadership position with limited fundraising experience.
While McCarthy’s departure may have an impact, experts believe that voter turnout and opinions on former President Trump and President Biden will play a more significant role in determining the outcome of the House elections. Johnson’s hard-right views, particularly on social issues, have not deterred swing-district Republicans from campaigning with him, but his recent fundraising email raised eyebrows due to its hard-right Christian rhetoric.
Republicans are aware that McCarthy’s departure represents a loss of a unique political talent. His exceptional campaigning skills, fundraising abilities, and talent for recruiting high-quality candidates will be sorely missed. Johnson, although capable, faces the challenge of filling McCarthy’s shoes and building upon the machine he created over the past two decades.
