A Trump-aligned California Republican is launching a bid to challenge former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), praising the eight House Republicans who voted to remove him from the top leadership position.
Businessman David Giglio announced his House campaign on Monday, vowing to work alongside former President Donald Trump to “WAGE WAR” against the “corrupt uniparty,” a phrase often used by some conservatives to refer to Washington, D.C., as a political “swamp” that must be drained.
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“Kevin McCarthy has failed the American people,” Giglio said in a statement. “I am excited to announce my campaign to defeat Kevin McCarthy in California’s 20th Congressional District. After years of being sold out to special interests, the people of the Central Valley deserve an America First Republican fighting for them in Washington.”
In his announcement, Giglio also praised the eight Republicans who joined all Democrats in voting to oust McCarthy as speaker earlier this month. Giglio called the GOP lawmakers “courageous,” accusing McCarthy of working with Democrats and President Joe Biden when he passed a bipartisan continuing resolution in September to keep the government funded and avoid a shutdown.
That spending deal is what prompted Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) to introduce the motion to vacate, accusing McCarthy of making a secret “back deal” with Democrats without the knowledge of other Republican leaders. McCarthy and his allies repeatedly denied doing so.
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“Now more than ever, it is imperative that we replace career politicians and elect America First Republicans who will secure the southern border, stop the weaponization of government, drain the corrupt swamp, and annihilate permanent Washington,” Giglio said.
McCarthy announced earlier this month he planned to run for reelection despite being ousted from his top leadership position, offering a glimpse of hope to many in the party as the California Republican is one of the GOP’s top fundraisers. Because of that and McCarthy’s widespread name recognition, Giglio is likely to face an uphill battle as he seeks to claim the seat next year.
