Kevin McCarthy
Bio | Kevin McCarthy is a Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives from California, serving since 2007. He served as House Majority Whip from 2011 to 2014 and House Majority Leader from 2014 to 2019. He is the current House Minority Leader. He holds an MBA from California State University, Bakersfield. |
Status and Position | Current US House of Representatives of California |
Political Party and Jurisdiction | Republican, California |
Elections | Election Jurisdiction | Started Campaign | Campaign Status | Poll Rankings (of the vote) |
| 2020 House of Representatives Election CA-23 | CA-23 | Yes | Running | N/A |
Campaign Financing | Most of McCarthy's funding has come from individual contributions (about 75%), with a smaller amount coming from other, unspecified sources (about 18%), and PACs (about 6%). Source: https://www.opensecrets.org/members-of-congress/kevin-mccarthy/summary?cid=N00028152 |
Voting Rights | Although McCarthy has not openly addressed the issue of voting rights, he voted against the Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2019, which would strengthen voting rights by cracking down on practices such as gerrymandering and voter suppression while allowing states to amend their voting laws in order to make voting more accessible and equitable. Source: https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2019654, https://www.hrc.org/resources/voting-rights-advancement-act |
Opinions on Issues
Issues | Stance | Summary |
| Universal Healthcare | Nuance | McCarthy supports private health insurance over a universal system, however he does support Medicare and Medicaid and seeks to protect those with pre-existing conditions. Source: https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/behind-closed-doors-kevin-mccarthy-explains-the-gops-2018-defeats-msna1194836, https://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/issues/health-care McCarthy supports affordable healthcare, preventative services, prescription drug coverage, Medicare and Medicaid, as well as protections for those with pre-existing conditions, although he does not endorse a universal healthcare system. Source: https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/behind-closed-doors-kevin-mccarthy-explains-the-gops-2018-defeats-msna1194836, https://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/issues/health-care |
| Socialized Healthcare | Nuance | McCarthy is largely in favor of private healthcare, however he does favor some socialized measures like Medicare, Medicaid, prescription drug coverage, and protections for pre-existing conditions. Source: https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/behind-closed-doors-kevin-mccarthy-explains-the-gops-2018-defeats-msna1194836, https://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/issues/health-care |
| Private Healthcare | For | McCarthy advocates for "market-based solutions" when it comes to healthcare, and believes patients should have affordable healthcare options at their disposal. Source: //kevinmccarthy.house.gov/issues/health-care |
| LGBT Rights | Against | McCarthy supported the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which sought to ban federal recognition of same-sex marriage and restrict same-sex couples from receiving spousal benefits. Source: https://www.bakersfield.com/news/mccarthy-small-house-group-fight-same-sex-marriage-in-court/article_42568503-15b4-55e7-94cb-ac7b77668a0d.html, https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/03/09/AR2011030906188.html, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/kevin-mccarthy-doma_n_1728303 McCarthy has claimed that his reason for supporting DOMA is to uphold the law, explaining that "When you break down the rule of law, you break down society." Still, he has not supported extending the right of marriage to same-sex couples and has not endorsed his support for LGBTQ+ protections. Source: https://www.bakersfield.com/news/mccarthy-small-house-group-fight-same-sex-marriage-in-court/article_42568503-15b4-55e7-94cb-ac7b77668a0d.html, https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/03/09/AR2011030906188.html, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/kevin-mccarthy-doma_n_1728303 |
| Taxes | Nuance | McCarthy opposes tax increases and instead advocates for tax relief for working families and for the government to decrease its reliance on civilian taxes. Source: https://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/issues/taxes McCarthy believes that tax cuts stimulate economic growth because it allows taxpayers to keep more of their own money which translates to increased spending and competition. Source: https://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/issues/taxes, https://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/mccarthy-on-face-the-nation-tax-cuts-will-make-america-competitive-again |
| Flat Tax Rate | Nuance | McCarthy favors taxation based on income, however he seeks to lower tax rates across the board so that working Americans can keep more of their paychecks. Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2017/12/04/kevin-mccarthy-explains-how-republican-tax-reform-bill-could-work.html, https://www.republicanleader.gov/mccarthy-tax-cuts-and-jobs-act/ McCarthy believes that tax cuts stimulate economic growth because it allows taxpayers to keep more of their own money which translates to increased spending and competition. Source: https://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/issues/taxes, https://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/mccarthy-on-face-the-nation-tax-cuts-will-make-america-competitive-again |
| Abortion | Against | McCarthy is firmly pro-life, but excuses abortion procedures only in the case of rape and incest. Source: https://www.politico.com/story/2019/05/16/abortion-bill-kevin-mccarthy-1328692, https://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/california-s-abortion-mandate-violates-federal-law McCarthy has defended his pro-life stance and argues that state mandates requiring insurance companies to offer abortion services is unethical and a violation of federal law. He has criticized the Alabama abortion law for being too strict, and believes survivors of rape and incest should not be barred access to abortion services. Source: https://www.politico.com/story/2019/05/16/abortion-bill-kevin-mccarthy-1328692, https://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/california-s-abortion-mandate-violates-federal-law |
| Gun Control | Against | McCarthy strongly supports the second amendment right to bear arms and opposes any efforts to restrict gun ownership, seeing it as unconstitutional and an overreach of government. Source: https://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/q-do-you-support-2nd-amendment-gun-rights McCarthy has praised the decision in District of Columbia v. Heller, which ruled that the ban on handguns in the District of Columbia was unconstitutional. He has also received an "A" rating from the NRA for his advocacy for gun rights, and has expressed that protecting the Second Amendment is one of his main focuses as a member of Congress. Source: https://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/q-do-you-support-2nd-amendment-gun-rights |
| Assisted Suicide | Against | On his campaign site, McCarthy expresses his support for the HHS Division of Conscience and Religious Liberty , which defines procedures like abortion, sterilization, and assisted suicide as violations of individuals' consciences. Source: https://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-the-federalist-how-it-took-six-years-to-put-california-on-notice McCarthy has praised the decision in District of Columbia v. Heller, which ruled that the ban on handguns in the District of Columbia was unconstitutional. He has also received an "A" rating from the NRA for his advocacy for gun rights, and has expressed that protecting the Second Amendment is one of his main focuses as a member of Congress. Source: https://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/q-do-you-support-2nd-amendment-gun-rights |
| Government Interference | Against | McCarthy is against government regulations and overreach, namely in economic affairs, gun rights, and healthcare. Source: https://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congress-historic-efforts-to-reduce-washington-s-regulatory-burden, https://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/q-do-you-support-2nd-amendment-gun-rights, https://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/issues/health-care |
| Planned Parenthood | Against | McCarthy opposes federal funding for Planned Parenthood and has criticized the organization for "allegations of the horrific harvesting of children’s organs and the handling of infant lives." Source: https://www.cnn.com/2015/07/27/politics/planned-parenthood-abortion-federal-funding/index.html |
| Welfare | Nuance | McCarthy is mostly opposed to welfare measures, seeking to limit government spending and regulation, however he does support the protection of Social Security benefits as well as strengthening welfare programs for veterans. Source: https://www.congress.gov/bill/113th-congress/house-bill/890, https://www.congress.gov/bill/111th-congress/house-bill/1388 McCarthy has expressed his support for employment as a requirement for receiving welfare benefits and has voted against a bill which would have added additional community service and volunteer programs to the National and Community Service Act of 1990. However, he does support the protection of Social Security and welfare programs for veterans. Source: https://www.congress.gov/bill/113th-congress/house-bill/890, https://www.congress.gov/bill/111th-congress/house-bill/1388 |
| Welfare | Against | McCarthy voted against the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2007, which would have mandated the Secretary of HHS to perform and support stem cell research, using stem cells from a human embryo. Source: https://www.congress.gov/bill/110th-congress/house-bill/3 |
| Death Penalty | For | McCarthy has voted in support of the death penalty, and has endorsed legislation expanding the parameters of offenders qualifying for capital punishment. Source: https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/115 McCarthy voted in favor of the Thin Blue Line Act, which expanded those qualifying for capital punishment to any offender which incites violence against law enforcement, a firefighter, or first responder. Source: https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/115 |
| Mandatory Prison Sentence | Unknown | No clear stance on issue. |
| Military Spending | For | McCarthy supports military spending and sees the provision of the Armed Forces with funds, resources, and members is crucial to maintaining and strengthening national security. He has praised the 2021 National Defense reauthorization Act for providing funding to build additionally military research and weapons stations as well as the establishment of a Tactically Responsive Space Launch Program. Source: https://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/issues/national-security, https://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/mccarthy-statement-regarding-passage-of-fy2021-defense-authorization-act |
| War on Terrorism | For | McCarthy sees terrorism as a grave threat to US national security. He advocates for a fully-resourced military and strengthened foreign policy and national security measures to address terrorism. McCarthy formed the Leader's Task Force on Counterterrorism and Homeland Security after the Paris attacks, which aims to "fix gaps in our nation's security." Source: https://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/issues/national-security, https://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/mccarthy-op-ed-how-congress-is-fighting-back-against-terror |
| Foreign Policy International Interaction | For | McCarthy believes that Congress is responsible for implementing foreign policy which is fiscally responsible and protects the nation's interests by promoting national security domestically and abroad. Source: https://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/issues/foreign-affairs, https://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/leader-mccarthy-on-congress-action-to-counter-foreign-aggression, https://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/genocide-is-happening-we-cannot-look-away McCarthy has supported foreign policy protecting against perceived threats to the US from North Korea, Iran, and Russia, and believes the US should intervene in the atrocities carried out by ISIL through military force. Source: https://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/issues/foreign-affairs, https://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/leader-mccarthy-on-congress-action-to-counter-foreign-aggression, https://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/genocide-is-happening-we-cannot-look-away |
| United Nations power | Unknown | No clear stance on issue. |
| Nationalism | Against | McCarthy has taken a stand against nationalism and white supremacy, condemning remarks by Congressman Steve King endorsing white nationalism and white supremacy. Source: https://www.voanews.com/usa/congressman-blasted-defense-white-nationalism |
| Free Markets | For | McCarthy sees government regulation of the economy as inhibiting economic growth and opposes any efforts to make a shift towards socialism. Source: https://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congress-historic-efforts-to-reduce-washington-s-regulatory-burden, https://twitter.com/GOPLeader/status/1231593818375544833 McCarthy has praised the use of the Congressional Review Act to repeal regulatory measures for businesses and farmers established during the Obama administration, and has stressed the importance of a free-market for economic growth and prosperity. In a Tweet, he said, "RT to agree: The new Socialist Democrats are the greatest threat to our thriving economy." Source: https://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congress-historic-efforts-to-reduce-washington-s-regulatory-burden, https://twitter.com/GOPLeader/status/1231593818375544833 |
| Brexit | Unknown | No clear stance on issue. |
| Affirmative Action | Nuance | Although McCarthy has not directly spoken on the issue of affirmative action, he said in a recent Tweet that "12 Democrat incumbents lost their re-election to the House. Every one of them lost to a Republican woman, minority, and/or veteran. The Republican Party is stronger because of our diversity." Source: https://twitter.com/GOPLeader/status/1328478072388063234 |
| Government Spending | Nuance | McCarthy advocates for a decrease in government spending to address the growing national debt, however he does support government spending for military/national security purposes. Source: https://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/issues/government-spending, https://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/issues/national-security |
| Charter Schools | For | McCarthy has praised charter schools for offering an alternative to the public school system and providing parents with more educational opportunities for their children. Source: https://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/breaking-education-monopolies |
| Common Core | Unknown | No clear stance on issue. |
| Clean Energy | Nuance | McCarthy supports clean energy initiatives, although he has also endorsed his support for the oil industry and supports the US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. Source: https://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/issues/energy, https://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/paris-climate-deal-trump-made-the-right-call McCarthy's energy policy tends to emphasize the source of energy rather than the type, as he advocates for decreased reliance on foreign sources of energy and more reliance on domestic sources. This includes renewable and clean sources, however it also includes sources such as oil. He also opposes strict government regulations on energy, and has stated that "a growing economy and cleaner energy are not only possible, but best achieved though the power of free enterprise.” Source: https://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/issues/energy, https://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/paris-climate-deal-trump-made-the-right-call |
| Religious Freedom | For | McCarthy has expressed his support for religious freedom and believes that those working within institutions should not be forced to engage in anything that violates their beliefs, such as the provision of contraception or abortion coverage. Source: https://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-mccarthy-on-the-trump-administration-s-new-rules-to-protect McCarthy believes that it is unjust to mandate individuals follow practices or policies that violate their own religious beliefs, for example, through the requirement that health insurance cover contraceptives or abortion services. Source: https://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-mccarthy-on-the-trump-administration-s-new-rules-to-protect |
| Separation of Church and State | For | McCarthy believes that institutions should not enforce policies that violate their constituents right to exercise freedom of religion or mandate particular religious beliefs. Source: https://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-mccarthy-on-the-trump-administration-s-new-rules-to-protect |
| Slavery Reparations | Nuance | McCarthy has not directly addressed his opinion on slavery reparations, however he has acknowledged that slavery in has led to “many shameful moments” and that "Our nation isn’t perfect and there’s more progress to make." Source: https://apnews.com/article/d1d17764b99b4dea96b3fa5a65c4d78b |
| Border Control | For | McCarthy strongly supports enhanced border security through physical and technological means and opposes amnesty for those who have entered the country illegally. Source: https://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/issues/immigration McCarthy has supported Trump's approach to immigration and advocates for the building of a physical barrier at the US-Mexican border. He believes illegal immigration is cause for a national emergency and that policymakers ought not to pass legislation that grants amnesty or protections for illegal immigrants, arguing that these should be reserved for taxpaying citizens. Source: https://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/issues/immigration, https://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/standing-with-the-president-securing-the-border |
| Passenger Profiling | Against | McCarthy has expressed his desire to enact policing reforms in light of the death of George Floyd, to ensure police brutality and racial profiling are addressed and those who engage in these behaviors held accountable. Source: https://www.rollcall.com/2020/06/04/mccarthy-offers-republican-backed-police-reforms-in-response-to-george-floyds-killing/ |
| DACA | Nuance | McCarthy has expressed his concerns about border security and addressing illegal immigration, however he has also acknowledged that many DREAMers have not known any other country than the US and may not even know they are DREAMers, which has led him to call for DACA reform that addresses both sides of this issue. Source: https://www.cnbc.com/video/2017/09/14/rep-kevin-mccarthy-we-need-to-repatriate-trillions-of-tax-dollars.html |
| Sanctuary Cities | Against | McCarthy is against sanctuary cities, seeing them as going against federal immigration law and contributing to an increase in crime. Source: https://kevinmccarthy.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/mccarthy-speaks-at-white-house-on-ca-sanctuary-laws |
| Legalizing Marijuana | Nuance | McCarthy's voting record has indicated that he is opposed to the use of marijuana medically or recreationally, however he did vote in favor for the SAFE Banking Act. which prohibits the federal government from penalizing marijuana businesses for using banking services. Source: https://vote.norml.org/politicians/28918, https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/1595, https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2019544 |