Congressman Biggs Issues Official Statement on House Speaker's Race for the 118th Congress

Tonight, Congressman Andy Biggs (R-AZ) issued the following statement in response to the House Speaker's race for the 118th Congress:   

“Earlier this morning, Kevin McCarthy was elected as Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives for the 118th Congress. 

“It is important that he be successful and I wish him success in fighting the Democrats and advancing the Republican agenda. He has shown a new willingness to empower the people of the country and I will be watching closely to see if he stays true to his word. 

“For months, I led an effort to elect a House Speaker that would change the status quo and advance America First principles. I challenged Kevin McCarthy for House Speaker in multiple ballots, nominated several individuals who I thought could serve as viable alternative Speaker candidates, and stayed true to my word that I would not vote for Kevin McCarthy as House Speaker despite facing immense pressure from his machine. 

“On the 15th ballot, it became clear that Kevin had the votes to become the next House Speaker and my objection to him wouldn't hold anymore. 

“While this may have not been the overall outcome that you wanted, the opposition effort still revealed a few positives. 

“First, we deliberated as a body for the first time in a long time and showed glimpses of what a bona fide constitutional republic should look like. We ought to keep doing that. Second, we secured concessions that decentralize power from Leadership and give power back to the people. And finally, we proved that the House Speakership is earned, not given. 

“I look forward to working with Kevin, my Republican colleagues, and serving you all in the 118th Congress.”