Once a secret, the temporary House speaker is Rep. Patrick McHenry

Tue, 10/03/2023 - 16:53

The Speaker of the House's chair sits empty — The Speaker of the House's chair was empty in January during the multiple rounds of voting.
Liu Jie/Xinhua via Getty Images

Following Kevin McCarthy's ouster, it was revealed that Rep. Patrick McHenry will temporarily lead the House.
Under House rules, McCarthy previously turned over a list of potential temporary successors that would lead the chamber.
McCarthy is now the first speaker in history to be booted from power.

Editor's note: After McCarthy was ousted from power shortly before 5 p.m. ET, Rep. Patrick McHenry, a North Carolina Republican, was revealed to be the first name on McCarthy's list. This post will be updated.

Kevin McCarthy was ousted from power on Tuesday evening, leading to Rep. Patrick McHenry being named the temporary leader of a chamber thrown into chaos.