Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy announces he will retire at the end of December after historic ouster

WASHINGTON (CBS NEWS) — Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy won’t run for reelection in 2024, he announced Wednesday in a Wall Street Journal op-ed, ending weeks of speculation about his future after he was ousted from his leadership role in October.

“I have decided to depart the House at the end of this year to serve America in new ways,” McCarthy said in a Wall Street Journal op-ed. “I know my work is only getting started.”

McCarthy’s departure makes him the latest member to retire amid growing polarization that has made it difficult for Congress to operate. It comes a day after Rep. Patrick McHenry, former speaker pro tempore, announced his impending retirement from Congress.