Patrick McHenry: Who Is the Interim House Speaker?

In the wake of recent political turmoil that led to the ousting of Kevin McCarthy as House Speaker, Representative Patrick McHenry of North Carolina has stepped into the role of interim speaker, as stipulated by a law enacted in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks. But who is Patrick McHenry, and what do we know about the man temporarily wielding the gavel in the House of Representatives?

Patrick McHenry, at 47 years old, is no newcomer to the political arena. He began his congressional journey in 2004 when he was elected to Congress at the age of 29. During his early years in Congress, McHenry was known for his spirited presence on the House floor and his frequent appearances on cable news shows. He served as the chief deputy whip to former Speaker John A. Boehner of Ohio, who once predicted that McHenry would eventually ascend to the role of speaker himself.

However, over the course of his 18-year congressional career, Patrick McHenry has transitioned into a more behind-the-scenes, low-profile role. He has gained a reputation among fellow lawmakers for his cerebral approach to legislative matters.

In a 2017 interview with the News & Observer of Raleigh, North Carolina, McHenry shared an insight into his transformation, stating, “What changed for me was once I slowed down enough to respect the process and to respect the people that I served with in the institution.”

Notably, among the potential candidates to succeed Kevin McCarthy, McHenry stands out as the only one who voted to certify the results of the 2020 presidential election. Additionally, he demonstrated his bipartisan approach by voting alongside Democrats for a stopgap spending measure aimed at keeping the government operational.

Despite his temporary role as interim speaker, it appears unlikely that Patrick McHenry will seek to make the position permanent. In the past year, he made the decision not to vie for a leadership role, opting instead to lead the financial services committee.

McHenry has maintained a close relationship with Kevin McCarthy and played a pivotal role in negotiating a debt limit deal in May. This deal, while preventing a default, drew the ire of hard-line conservatives who ultimately orchestrated McCarthy’s removal as speaker.

On the day of McCarthy’s removal, Patrick McHenry defended his colleague on the House floor, acknowledging the former speaker’s accomplishments in advancing conservative causes. He also urged Democrats to consider the long-term implications and support McCarthy’s bid to retain the speakership.

In the evolving political landscape of the House of Representatives, Patrick McHenry’s interim role as speaker is marked by a blend of experience, bipartisanship, and a distinctive approach to legislative leadership. While it remains to be seen how long he will occupy this position, his presence in the political sphere continues to shape the dynamics of Congress.