A close ally of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has announced he will not seek reelection next year.
Congressman Patrick McHenry of North Carolina said he will leave his office after two decades in the House of Representatives. His current term ends on Jan. 3, 2025.
“This is not a decision I come to lightly, but I believe there is a season for everything and—for me—this season has come to an end,” he said in a press release on Dec. 5.
“Past, present, and future, the House of Representatives is the center of our American republic. Through good and bad, during the highest of days and the lowest, and from proud to infamous times, the House is the venue for our nation’s disagreements bound up in our hopes for a better tomorrow,” he continued. “Throughout my years in the House, I’ve mentored and been mentored. I’ve learned from many, been taught lessons by others…The craft of legislating is an art and I’m thankful for all the members and staff who helped me hone that craft.”
“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. Those concerns are exaggerated,” McHenry added. “I truly feel this institution is on the verge of the next great turn… 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.”
The congressman said he was “confident” that the House of Representatives “is in good hands.”
The 48-year-old first took office in 2005.
McHenry served as interim speaker for three weeks this year while House Republicans worked to agree on McCarthy’s replacement.
During the 118th Congress, McHenry is the Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee where he advocates for “innovative solutions that increase access to banking services and credit for American families and small businesses,” according to his website. Congressional rules prevent him from serving as the committee’s chair after his current term.
He has also served as chief deputy whip for House Majority Leader Steve Scalise.
According to Axios, “multiple lawmakers speculated he was likely to exit, noting that he is likely to receive multiple lucrative job offers due to his position on the committee.”
Less than an hour after McHenry went public with his retirement, Pat Harrigan launched his Congressional campaign to fill the seat. The Green Beret and business owner is a West Point graduate who moved to North Carolina to compete in Special Forces training. He served multiple deployments to Afghanistan.
“God has placed a calling in our lives to enter the political arena to work to improve the character and quality of our government and to craft better outcomes for the next generation of Americans,” said Harrigan in a video on X. “In Congress, my focus will be on cutting endless government spending, securing our southern border, restoring governmental integrity, and ensuring our children receive a quality education that is free from indoctrination.”
