Congressman and former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has announced his plan to leave Congress by the end of the year, though he is vowing to "stay in the fight," he says.

In an op-ed for the Wall Street Journal, McCarthy reflected on his time in Congress before making the announcement, saying that "No matter the odds, or personal cost, we did the right thing."

No matter the odds, or personal cost, we did the right thing. That may seem out of fashion in Washington these days, but delivering results for the American people is still celebrated across the country.

It is in this spirit that I have decided to depart the House at the end of this year to serve America in new ways. I know my work is only getting started.

I will continue to recruit our country’s best and brightest to run for elected office. The Republican Party is expanding every day, and I am committed to lending my experience to support the next generation of leaders.

🚨🚨McCarthy announces he’s leaving Congress at the end of the year pic.twitter.com/gcLN80Yjkn

— Greg Price (@greg_price11) December 6, 2023

McCarthy's tenure in House leadership began during the Obama Administration, with the California Republican becoming a top lieutenant under then-Speaker John Boehner. When Boehner left Congress, McCarthy was seen as next-in-line for the Speakership, only to withdraw his name at the last minute. Worried, Republicans convinced Paul Ryan to become Speaker, which he did.

McCarthy then became the leader of House Republicans when Ryan left Congress. He finally achieved his goal of becoming Speaker this year, when he survived multiple leadership votes and negotiated with conservatives who finally voted for his speakership.

It did not last, however, as a coup from Matt Gaetz forced McCarthy out of the job - a job since taken over by Louisiana conservative Mike Johnson.

The outgoing Congressman posted a video tribute to himself once the news of his impending retirement became public.

As the son of a firefighter from Bakersfield, my story is the story of America. For me, every moment came with a great deal of devotion and responsibility.

Serving you in Congress and as the 55th Speaker of the House has been my greatest honor. pic.twitter.com/jNnYQ8UO4k

— Kevin McCarthy (@SpeakerMcCarthy) December 6, 2023

In his op-ed, McCarthy noted that "It often seems that the more Washington does, the worse America gets" - a noteworthy reflection of his time in Republican leadership.

He also expresses no regret for how his time in Congress went.

I started my career as a small-business owner, and I look forward to helping entrepreneurs and risk-takers reach their full potential. The challenges we face are more likely to be solved by innovation than legislation.

[...]

I never could have imagined the journey when I first threw my hat into the ring. I go knowing I left it all on the field—as always, with a smile on my face. And looking back, I wouldn’t have had it any other way.

However, there are some who might regret his decision, such as the current Speaker. With an already-slim majority, Mike Johnson will have to work even harder to keep a fraying conference - a conference that began fraying under McCarthy's watch - together if the Republicans want to be successful in the House.