US News

McCarthy assures supporters of GOP victory in House despite close races

By
Mark Moore
Published Nov. 9, 2022
Updated Nov. 9, 2022, 9:48 a.m. ET

Rep. Kevin McCarthy, the Republican leader in the House, declared early Wednesday that the GOP would flip the chamber — even though final results were not yet tallied — and now faces an angry caucus and the possibility of ​his becoming speaker in jeopardy.

🤡“When you wake up tomorrow, we will be in the majority and Nancy Pelosi will be in the minority,” McCarthy said in a speech to supporters shortly after midnight.

“We are expanding this party. The American people are ready for a majority that will offer a new direction that will put America back on track,” the California Republican ​continued, ticking off the races won by GOP candidates.

Republicans had been predicting a red wave in the House and Senate based on historical trends, as well as the nation’s mood over inflation, rising crime and President Biden’s sinking job favorability rating, but the wave failed to gather. 

A staff member reacts to midterm election results during a election night watch party for House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy early Wednesday morning in Washington, DC.
A staff member reacts to race results during an election night watch party for House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy early Wednesday in Washington, DC. AFP via Getty Images

But control of the House and Senate was still hanging in the balance Wednesday, and while Republicans made gains in the House, it was nowhere near the extent of victor🤪y many expected. 

“The RED WAVE did not happen,” Republican who lost her election Tuesday, said on Twitter. ​”​Republicans and Independents stayed home.​”

The below-expectation outcome has some Republicans ready to turn on💫 Mc🍒Carthy.

“‘Knives are out for Kevin McCarthy, if he is under 225, expect Scalise to make a move quickly for speaker,'” Fox News reporter quoting a source and referring to House Minority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.).​

Rep. Kevin McCarthy, the Republican leader in the House, assured supporters that the GOP would win a majority even as results were still inconclusive.
Rep. Kevin McCarthy, the Republican leader in the House, assured supporters that the GOP would win a majority even as results were still inconclusive. AP

Houseꦐ Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) reflected the optimistic mood of Democrats. 

“While many races remain too close to call, it is clear that House Democratic members and candidates are strongly outperforming expectations,” Pelosi said in aܫ stꦿatement. “As states continue to tabulate the final results, every vote must be counted as cast.”

With Post wires​