The eight House Republicans who played a pivotal role in the removal of Kevin McCarthy from the speakership are facing political backlash both in Washington and in their home districts. This comes four months after the historic move, signaling that the GOP conference is still grappling with the aftermath of McCarthy’s ouster.
Reps. Nancy Mace of South Carolina and Bob Good of Virginia are among those facing the most backlash, with both now facing serious primary threats as they gear up for reelection. Rep. Matt Rosendale, who recently entered the US Senate race in Montana, is also facing resistance in GOP circles, partly due to his vote against McCarthy.
A well-connected GOP outside spending group is planning to participate in the races against Good and Mace. McCarthy himself is widely expected to get involved as well, according to multiple Republican sources familiar with the matter.
The Main Street Caucus and Republican Governance Group, two center-right-leaning groups on Capitol Hill, have both quietly dropped Mace from their ranks. The move was not publicized, but sources say frustration with the congresswoman had been brewing for months leading up to her McCarthy vote.
Mace and Good, however, are downplaying the threats and expressing no regret about their votes. They are also leaning into the image of being Washington outsiders, which they believe will play well with the GOP base in their respective districts.
Good still has support from his colleagues in the ultra-conservative House Freedom Caucus, where he was recently elevated to chairman. But his controversial behavior, including his decision to endorse Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis over former President Donald Trump for president, still rankled some in the group.
Other members of the “Gaetz Eight,” named after Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida who led the group, have also experienced backlash, including some GOP donors giving them the cold shoulder. Despite this, the group is banding together and vowing to help protect one another.
Behind the scenes, McCarthy allies have been quietly working to exact electoral revenge on the Gaetz Eight, attempting to identify strong primary opponents. Brian O. Walsh, a GOP political consultant and McCarthy ally, has been leading the effort to recruit potential challengers.
Among the most promising candidates are Catherine Templeton, an attorney and businesswoman who recently announced a bid against Mace, and John McGuire, a Navy SEAL and state representative who is challenging Good.
McCarthy has left the door open to backing primary challengers against the Gaetz Eight, and has talked highly of McGuire in public appearances. In an interview with CNN following his ouster, McCarthy unloaded on his foes, saying there needs to be “consequences” and arguing Mace doesn’t deserve to be reelected.
However, the current Republican leadership team, under Speaker Mike Johnson, is expected to support the Gaetz Eight’s reelection races. Johnson has shown no animosity toward the McCarthy rebels, and is expected to support their reelection races.
Meanwhile, the House GOP’s campaign arm has a policy of protecting the conference’s members. And the Gaetz Eight are no exception. “We are an incumbent-driven organization and support all House Republican incumbents call,” said a spokesman for the National Republican Campaign Committee.
Contributors: David Wright, Sam Fossum and Morgan Rimmer