Kevin McCarthy is a former Republican U.S. Representative from California's 20th Congressional District, serving from 2007 to 2023. He held the position of Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives from January to October 2023, during which he negotiated with the Biden administration to resolve the 2023 debt ceiling crisis and avert a national default. McCarthy resigned his seat at the end of 2023, with Vincent Fong winning the subsequent special election to complete his term. Notable achievements include rapid ascent in GOP leadership as chief deputy whip , House majority leader , and his fundraising prowess that propelled his early rise.

Education and Political Experience

• Early Career: Began in politics as an intern for Congressman Bill Thomas in 1987, later joining his staff for 15 years; chaired California Young Republicans in the 1990s and Young Republican National Federation .
• First Elected Office: Elected to Kern Community College District Board of Trustees in 2000.
• State Legislature: Elected to California State Assembly in 2002; became Republican minority leader at age 38.
• U.S. Congress: Elected to U.S. House in 2006, succeeding Bill Thomas; reelected consecutively through 2020.