(NN&V Staff) –Kevin McCarthy (R-CA22) was elected by his colleagues today to serve as the Majority Whip for the 112th Congress. He released the following statement regarding his election:
“It is truly an honor to have the opportunity to serve my colleagues as the Majority Whip. I believe that together we can usher in the era of America’s comeback through hard work and a strong commitment to our conservative principles. While our current troubles have dimmed the lights of that “shining city on a hill,” we will recharge them; they will not go out on our watch.
“As the global leader of democracy and economic growth, America stands at a crossroads and we must choose our path: continue the current march toward record levels of unemployment and a national debt crisis or change course and recommit to the pursuit of our nation’s prosperity. I believe the choice is clear – we must realign our compass with the will of the American people and work to provide a more prosperous future for our children. We have listened to the people across America and pledged to advance a governing agenda that will create jobs, end economic uncertainty, stop out-of-control spending and reform Washington. We will take back our country and restore our right to a better future.
“I am also humbled to continue serving the people of California’s 22nd District. As their advocate in Washington, I will bring the values of the Central Valley to the Leadership table as we work to create jobs and cut spending.”
Kevin McCarthy will be the 26th Majority Whip, the first Republican Majority Whip from California and the fifth youngest Majority Whip in the history of the House of Representatives.
About Kevin
The son of a firefighter, Kevin’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to open a small business, Kevin O’s Deli, before his 21st birthday. This venture gave him first-hand experience with the difficulties that entrepreneurs face as a result of burdensome regulations and onerous taxes. It was at this early age that Kevin realized American small businesses could flourish and generate more jobs if the government would create the right regulatory environment to foster growth and competitiveness.
Selling his business allowed Kevin to complete his college education at California State University in Bakersfield, and in 2000, he won his first election as Trustee to the Kern Community College District.
In 2002, Kevin was elected to represent the 32nd Assembly District in the California State Assembly. As a freshman legislator, he was selected unanimously by his colleagues to serve as the Assembly Republican Leader, becoming the first freshman legislator to assume the top post.
In this leadership role, Kevin worked with the leaders in the state Assembly and Senate to address critical state issues, such as reducing spending in California’s budget and enhancing California’s poor business climate to create more opportunities for California workers and businesses.
Kevin brought the lessons he learned from his deli to Congress in 2006, as the Representative for California’s 22nd district. He has consistently supported policies to encourage small business growth and job creation, especially in his capacities as the chairman of the Republican Party Platform in 2008 and the chairman of the America Speaking Out/Pledge to America project in 2010.
His experience as a small business owner imbued Kevin with respect for the hard work and dedication of those who sacrifice in their pursuit of the American Dream. He has often said publicly that one of his most important priorities is to be the voice of small business in Washington.
As Majority Whip, Kevin will work with his colleagues to advance common-sense conservative policies designed to encourage economic growth and job creation in America, restore accountability and transparency in government and ensure that the tax dollars that come to Washington are spent more wisely, efficiently and effectively.
His four years of service as a member of the Republican Whip team, including his two-year tenure as Chief Deputy Whip, have allowed Kevin to develop relationships with his colleagues, understand the priorities of their districts and work with them to develop substantive solutions to the problems currently facing our country.
Kevin Biography Highlights
• Hometown: Bakersfield, CA
• Family: wife Judy; children Connor and Meghan
• Education: attended Bakersfield College, 1984-1985; B.S., 1989, California State University, Bakersfield; M.B.A., 1994, California State University, Bakersfield
• Kern County Republican Central Committee, 1992-2002
• Kern County Community College District Board of Trustees, 2000-2002
• California Assembly 2002-2006 (minority leader, 2004-2006)
• Elected to the House of Representatives from California’s 22nd District, 2006 – present
• Served on the Republican Whip Team since the 110th Congress
• Chief Deputy Whip, 111th Congress
• Republican Party Platform Chair, 2008
• Pledge to America/America Speaking Out Chair, 2010
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