Politics

California's Rep. Kevin McCarthy Is Your New House Majority Leader

Republicans have finally voted on a replacement for Eric Cantor, and they chose a guy from California. 

By Connor Simpson
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Update, 4:10 p.m. Louisiana Rep. Steve Scalise was elected the new Majority Whip on the first ballot.

Original: Republicans have finally voted on a replacement for Eric Cantor, and they chose a guy from California. He is now the second most powerful Republican in the House, after Speaker John Boehner.

According to multiple sources, Rep. Kevin McCarthy was elected Majority Leader Thursday, defeating his only remaining challenger, Idaho's Rep. Raul Labrador. The rest of the Congressional Republicans applauded McCarthy's victory. He will officially start as Majority Leader on July 31, when Cantor's resignation takes effect and the Virginia Congressman joins the rank and file for the remainder of his term.

Cantor wasted no time before congratulating his replacement:

As the shake up inside the House continues, the next major hurdle for Republicans will be electing a new Majority Whip. There are three candidates vying for the third most powerful spot in the House leadership.  Reps. Peter Roskam and Steve Scalise are the frontrunners;  Rep. Marlin Stutzman launched a longshot candidacy as well.

This article is from the archive of our partner The Wire.