Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) is backing out of his scheduled appearance on “The Tonight Show” with Jimmy Fallon Thursday evening, following House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy’s surprising decision to quit the Speakership race.
An NBC spokeswoman confirmed that Boehner is no longer appearing tonight. She added that there are no details about possible rescheduling at this time.
{mosads}Reports Wednesday said Boehner would be making a stop at the popular late-night talk show before he leaves Congress at month’s end.
He reversed course on Thursday after McCarthy (R-Calif.) shocked lawmakers by dropping his campaign to succeed Boehner as Speaker.
“After Leader McCarthy’s announcement, members of the House Republican Conference will not vote today for a new Speaker,” Boehner said in a statement. “As I have said previously, I will server as Speaker until the House votes to elect a new Speaker.
“Our conference will work together to ensure we have the strongest team possible as we continue to focus on the American people’s priorities,” Boehner added.
McCarthy was seen as the front-runner for the post.
“I think I shocked some of you,” he joked after the blindside announcement.
“I don’t want to go to the floor and win with 220 votes,” McCarthy added of his decision. “I think what’s best for our party is to win with 247 votes.”
McCarthy’s exit leaves Reps. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah) and Daniel Webster (R-Fla.) as the only official Speakership candidates.
Both Reps. Trey Gowdy (R-S.C.) and Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) ruled out entering the race on Thursday.
“The Tonight Show,” meanwhile, is carrying on with previously scheduled guests, including actor Michael Fassbender, actress Brie Larson and singer Cee Lo Green.