Kevin McCarthy’s attempt to unseat the eight Republicans who voted to strip him of his gavel ended this week with mixed results. The former speaker’s multimillion-dollar effort, aimed at settling scores with his GOP adversaries, concluded with several high-profile losses, including a resounding defeat by his chief nemesis, Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida.
The Unsuccessful Campaign Against Gaetz and Others
Rep. Matt Gaetz, who spearheaded McCarthy’s removal as speaker, won his primary by a staggering 45 points, signaling a strong rebuke of McCarthy’s efforts. Gaetz wasn’t the only one to prevail. McCarthy’s allies spent millions trying to unseat Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), only to watch her win by 27 points. Other McCarthy targets, such as Reps. Tim Burchett of Tennessee and Eli Crane of Arizona, either won their primaries or faced no challengers at all.
A Lone Victory Amid Defeats
Despite the setbacks, McCarthy’s camp did manage one victory: the narrow defeat of Rep. Bob Good (R-Va.), a race so tight it required a recount. McCarthy’s allies argued that this victory validated their efforts, especially considering the difficulty of unseating incumbents. They also claimed some credit for nudging Rep. Matt Rosendale (R-Mont.) into retirement after he abandoned a brief Senate run.
Future of the Revenge Tour Uncertain
Looking ahead, McCarthy’s allies are uncertain whether they will continue their campaign against the remaining rebels in 2026. Although they are keeping the door open for a potential return, there is a notable lack of the defiant determination that characterized the initial campaign. Some operatives suggest that the campaign’s true success was in damaging Gaetz’s potential run for Florida governor in 2026.
Divided Opinions Within the GOP
McCarthy’s revenge tour has drawn criticism from some within the GOP, who argue that the millions spent on these primary battles could have been better used to strengthen the party’s majority. Rep. Tim Burchett, one of the “Gaetz Eight,” likened donations to McCarthy’s effort to “throwing money down a well.” However, McCarthy’s allies contend that the former speaker has earned the right to spend his campaign funds as he sees fit, given his history of successful fundraising.
Gaetz and McCarthy’s Ongoing Feud
The animosity between McCarthy and Gaetz shows no signs of waning. Gaetz has dismissed the threats from McCarthy’s camp, even taunting the former speaker during his primary victory speech. He challenged McCarthy to continue spending money against him, arguing that it only strengthens his position among Florida voters.
Conclusion
Kevin McCarthy’s revenge tour may not have achieved its intended goals, but it has left a mark on the political landscape. As McCarthy considers his next moves, the question remains whether this campaign will have long-term implications for the GOP or simply fade into the background as another chapter in the party’s internal struggles.
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