McHenry, Speaker Pro Tem Through Crisis, Leaving House

WASHINGTON — Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., who served as speaker pro tempore during one of the most unique periods of crisis in the history of the House of Representatives, said Tuesday that he will not seek reelection to the chamber next year.

“I believe there is a season for everything and — for me — this season has come to an end. I look forward to what comes next for my family and me,” McHenry said in a statement posted to X, the social media platform.

McHenry, who is also the current chair of the House Financial Services Committee, cited his family and his having spent nearly two decades in the House as being among the reasons he believes it is time to bow out after 10 terms.

“My family means the world to me,” he said. “The center of that world is my wife Giulia. Together, we have three amazing kids who have made our lives all the better. 

“I’m grateful for the sacrifices they’ve made supporting me as I’ve served in the House,” he said.

Once one of his conference’s more fiery members, McHenry mellowed over the years and became a respected elder statesman and builder of consensus on tough issues.

“Throughout my years in the House, I’ve mentored and been mentored,” he said in his announcement.

“I’ve learned from many, been taught lessons by others. I am proud to have been a legislator for nearly 20 years. The craft of legislating is an art and I’m thankful for all the members and staff who helped me hone that craft,” he said.

McHenry thanked the voters of western North Carolina for giving him the opportunity to serve, and his staff for ably serving him during his time in the House.

“My goal has always been to be a voice for western North Carolina to Washington, not the other way around,” he said.

But he will no doubt be best remembered for his stint as acting House speaker for the three weeks in October between the ouster of his longtime friend, former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., and the chamber’s finally settling on Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La., as McCarthy’s replacement.

“Past, present and future, the House of Representatives is the center of our American republic,” McHenry said on reflection. “Through good and bad, during the highest of days and the lowest, and from proud to infamous times, the House is the venue for our nation’s disagreements bound up in our hopes for a better tomorrow. 

“It is a truly special place and — as an American — my service here is undoubtedly my proudest. Since being sworn in Jan. 3, 2005, I have worked every day to uphold the Constitution and the system of government our founders so wisely created,” he said.

In closing, McHenry noted that “there has been a great deal of hand wringing and ink spilled about the future of this institution because some — like me — have decided to leave. 

“Those concerns are exaggerated. I’ve seen a lot of change over 20 years. I truly feel this institution is on the verge of the next great turn,” he said. “Evolutions are often lumpy and disjointed but at each stage, new leaders emerge.”

McHenry said he plans to fill out the rest of his term. His district, North Carolina’s 10th Congressional District, is considered solidly Republican.

Dan can be reached at [email protected] and @DanMcCue