The U.S. House of Representatives voted Tuesday night to remove Speaker Kevin McCarthy from the position. The measure passed 216-210 with eight Republicans joining all Democrats in supporting his removal.
Among Texas Congressmen, the vote was along party lines. All 13 Democrats from Texas voted to remove McCarthy; all 23 Republicans who were present voted to keep him. Two Republicans missed the vote: John Carter, who has been dealing with a health issue, and Lance Gooden, whose office has not given a reason.
Central Texas Republican Chip Roy voted to keep McCarthy, saying the GOP should use the 45 days given by the continuing resolution to cut spending and secure the southern border.
"I disagree with the tactical play call. I do not believe that you pull the coach at the beginning of the fourth quarter, which is where we currently stand. I remain focused on laying out the possible paths to secure wins," Roy posted on social media.
Nathaniel Moran (R-Tyler) also said Congress should be focused on securing the border, cutting spending and pressing an impeachment inquiry.
"Enough with the nonsense and personal vendettas," he wrote.
Houston-area Representative Dan Crenshaw says voters trust Republicans on the economy, foreign policy and leadership, but the vote to remove McCarthy makes "Democrats look more united to the American people."
"Some in the GOP would rather focus on infighting and grabbing headlines instead of doing their jobs. That’s no way to win elections or the confidence of the American people," he wrote.
Democrats also responded, with North Texas Congressman Marc Veasey saying, "I remain committed to working to deliver progress for Texans, not chaos." Veasey said he would work with the House Democratic leader "to deliver progress for Texans."
San Antonio Democrat Joaquin Castro said McCarthy was not trustworthy, but he added, "The far right takeover of the GOP in Congress has made it impossible for any Republican Speaker to satisfy extremist members and still keep government running."
Even Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton responded to the vote. He posted someone else's tweet that read, "If even the US can do it [remove a speaker], the Texas House can do it." Paxton quoted the tweet, adding the phrase, "Yes they can!"
Earlier this year, the Texas House voted 121-23 to impeach Paxton, including most Republicans. Last month, the Senate acquitted him. Paxton still faces criminal trial for securities fraud and has been under investigation by the FBI.
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