Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) now has a Republican primary challenger in his 2024 House race. The entry of businessman David Giglio comes less than a month after McCarthy was ousted from his leadership position by eight Republicans voting with House Democrats.
Giglio opened his campaign against McCarthy by praising the Republicans that ousted the former speaker. Giglio called the effort “courageous.”
“Kevin McCarthy has failed the American people. I am excited to announce my campaign to defeat Kevin McCarthy in California’s 20th Congressional District,” the candidate said.
🚨OFFICIAL: I’M RUNNING TO DEFEAT KEVIN MCCARTHY 🚨
Help me WIN: https://t.co/7aTQEDROGj pic.twitter.com/POOXJQgeVb
— David Giglio (@DavidGiglioCA) October 30, 2023
“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 and working alongside President Donald Trump to WAGE WAR against the corrupt uniparty!” Giglio said in his campaign launch announcement.
McCarthy’s opponent said that the former speaker was removed “for failing to keep to his promises and capitulating to Joe Biden and the radical Democrats. Kevin McCarthy must be defeated.”
The candidate hopes that his background running a business that buys and sells sports cards and memorabilia will be able to oust McCarthy.
McCarthy appears to have some strengths heading into next year’s primary. He was supported in his speakership by Trump and raised $78 million through the end of September.
The former speaker has served in his role representing the state’s 20th congressional district since his first election in 2006.
The former speaker appeared optimistic despite the primary challenge. His campaign has not released a formal statement on his opponent as of Monday.
“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,” wrote Giglio.
He also said in his statement that the “American people want and deserve radical change, and I intend to do whatever it takes to fight, win and deliver!”
