Rep. McHenry, Former Interim House Speaker, Announces Retirement From Congress

US Representative Patrick McHenry (R-NC) speaks to members of the media outside the office of US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on October 3, 2023. McCarthy was fighting for his political life ahead of a vote expected Tuesday on whether to remove him as House speaker, forced by far-right critics angered by his work with Democrats. McCarthy sparked fury among the ultra-conservative wing of the party when he passed a bipartisan stopgap funding measure backed by the White House to avert a government shutdown on September 30, 2023. (Photo by Mandel NGAN / AFP) (Photo by MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images) — US Representative Patrick McHenry (R-NC) speaks to members of the media outside the office of US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on October 3, 2023. McCarthy was fighting for his political life ahead of a vote expected Tuesday on whether to remove him as House speaker, forced by far-right critics angered by his work with Democrats. McCarthy sparked fury among the ultra-conservative wing of the party when he passed a bipartisan stopgap funding measure backed by the White House to avert a government shutdown on September 30, 2023. (Photo by MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images)

OAN’s James Meyers
12:53 PM – Tuesday, December 5, 2023

Former interim House Speaker Patrick McHenry says that he will not be seeking Congressional re-election next year.

I will be retiring from Congress at the end of my current term. I believe there is a season for everything and—for me—this season has come to an end. I look forward to what comes next for my family and me.https://t.co/QCVurSYuhm
— Patrick McHenry (@PatrickMcHenry) December 5, 2023

McHenry (R-N.C.) made the announcement in a post on X (Twitter) on Tuesday, saying, “I believe there is a season for everything and—for me—this season has come to an end. I look forward to what comes next for my family and me.”

The 48-year-old is currently the chair of the House Financial Services Committee. He garnered national attention after Republican Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) was ousted from his position and McHenry took his place for three weeks.

McHenry was first elected in 2004 and began his Congressional career as a partisan rabble-rouser. He later became the chief deputy whip under two speakers.

The Republican also voiced concerns regarding Congressional departures being “greatly exaggerated.”

“There has been a great deal of handwringing and ink spilled about the future of this institution because some—like me—have decided to leave,” McHenry said. “Those concerns are exaggerated. I’ve seen a lot of change over twenty years. I truly feel this institution is on the verge of the next great turn. Whether it’s 1974, 1994, or 2010, we’ve seen the House evolve over time. Evolutions are often lumpy and disjointed, but at each stage, new leaders emerge. There are many smart and capable members who remain, and others are on their way. I’m confident the House is in good hands. I look forward to what the next season brings for my family and me.”

McHenry’s seat is considered a safe Republican seat, according to experts. He has represented North Carolina’s 10^th Congressional district since 2005.

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