McCarthy ouster divides Republicans in new poll

Republicans share mixed opinions when it comes to House Republicans’ decision to oust former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) from his leadership role last week, according to a new poll.

The Associated Press-NORC poll found that 25 percent of Republicans approved of the decision to remove McCarthy, while 30 percent disapproved and 42 percent neither approved nor disapproved.

McCarthy was booted from the top spot in a 216-210 vote last week, making him the first Speaker to be ousted from the position. All House Democrats and eight Republicans voted to take away the gavel from the California Republican.

The historic vote was spearheaded by Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), who single-handedly called for a vote on a motion to vacate early last week.

The poll found Democrats are also fairly divided on the issue despite their entire party voting in favor of the motion to vacate the Speakership. Thirty percent reported a strong or somewhat approval for the move, while 25 percent said they strongly or somewhat disapprove of the decision and 44 percent chose to remain neutral.

The vote left the House with no elected leader. Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.) is standing in as the acting Speaker.

This could change as soon as this week, however, when House Republicans are expected to meet to nominate a new Speaker. Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) and Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) are the top contenders in what is expected to be a close race.

Republicans met Tuesday night to discuss the options, though members still appear divided following the forum.

The AP-NORC poll was conducted Oct. 5-9 among a nationwide sample of 1,163 adults. The survey has a margin of error of 3.9 percentage points.