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Patrick McHenry: Everything you need to know about the new 'interim' Speaker

As speaker pro tempore, Rep McHenry's duties are limited to recessing the House, adjourning the chamber, and recognizing speaker nominations

WASHINGTON, DC: The House of Representatives witnessed a significant shift in leadership as Rep Patrick McHenry of North Carolina assumed the role of speaker pro tempore on Tuesday, October 3.

It followed the removal of Kevin McCarthy from the speaker's chair, a position he held until eight Republicans, led by GOP Rep Matt Gaetz, joined Democrats in a historic vote to oust him.

As speaker pro tempore, Rep McHenry's duties are limited to recessing the House, adjourning the chamber, and recognizing speaker nominations. However, the circumstances leading to his temporary leadership role are worth exploring further.

Under House rules, Speaker McCarthy was required to submit a confidential list of individuals who would serve as Speaker pro tempore in the event of a vacancy. With McCarthy's sudden removal from the position, Rep McHenry, a staunch ally of McCarthy's, assumed the role of interim speaker, CNN reported.

Patrick McHenry's political journey

Rep McHenry's political journey began in Gastonia, North Carolina, where he earned a bachelor's degree in history from Belmont Abbey College. His foray into politics began in 1998 when he launched an unsuccessful bid for the North Carolina state House of Representatives.

His career trajectory gained momentum after his work on George W Bush's 2000 presidential campaign, leading to his appointment as special assistant to the labor secretary in 2001. In 2002, McHenry was elected to the state House, and two years later, at the age of 29, he secured a seat in Congress, becoming one of the youngest lawmakers at the time.

He recently won his 10th term in Congress. Notably, McHenry currently serves as the chair of the House Financial Services Committee, where he has held leadership roles, including overseeing the oversight and investigations subcommittee.

While his early years in Congress were marked by a more outspoken and visible presence on the House floor and cable news shows, McHenry's approach has evolved over the past 18 years. He has adopted a lower-profile role, focusing on behind-the-scenes work and earning a reputation for his wonkish expertise.

In a 2017 interview with the News & Observer of Raleigh, NC, McHenry reflected on this transformation, stating, "What changed for me was once I slowed down enough to respect the process and to respect the people that I served with in the institution."

Permanent leadership unlikely for Patrick McHenry

Despite his current role as interim speaker, it appears unlikely that McHenry will seek the position on a permanent basis. Last year, he chose not to run for a leadership role, instead opting to lead the financial services committee.

McHenry's close relationship with McCarthy was evident when he helped negotiate a debt limit deal in May, which proved contentious among hardline conservatives but ultimately averted a default. On Tuesday, McHenry defended the former speaker, acknowledging McCarthy's "record of success" for conservatives.

In the lead-up to Tuesday's vote, McHenry emphasized the importance of Democrats considering the long-term implications of their decision and supporting McCarthy's continued tenure as speaker.

“I think we will have a far more functional House with his speakership going forward than any other person,” McHenry said on Monday, October 2, as quoted by the New York Times.

McHenry reacted with visible anger to his promotion on Tuesday. The tension in the chamber was palpable as McHenry forcefully slammed down his gavel in fury, demanding swift action from the Republicans to decide who would replace the ousted Kevin McCarthy.

Patrick McHenry visibly frustrated

Clearly incensed by the vote that removed his friend from the speaker's chair, McHenry wasted no time. He immediately gaveled the House into session after the motion's passage, declaring that he would serve "until the election of the new speaker."

He addressed the assembly, saying, "In the opinion of the chair, prior to proceeding to the election of the speaker, it would be prudent to first recess for the relevant caucus and its conferences to meet and discuss the path forward." McHenry then invoked rule one, clause 12A, to declare the House in recess, subject to his call.

However, the gesture was thoroughly mocked on social media.

"Woah!! Playing tough now!! Who is this bow-tied guy??" one commented.

"What an absolute dork. He couldn’t even handle that gavel properly like a man," another wrote.

"The uniparty lost an important chess piece today. That's why they're seething. Major white pill," someone else offered.

"They know this could open the floodgates for more people to be removed — Gaetz shined the light on the crooked people in the swamp this evening," another chimed in.