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Rep. Kevin McCarthy

U.S. Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield), shown in 2008.
(Justin Sullivan / Getty Images)
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House Speaker John A. Boehner on Friday announced his plans to resign, prompting conversations about who the next speaker will be. Rep. Kevin McCarthy of Bakersfield is the odds-on favorite. McCarthy, the House Majority Leader, represents California's 23rd District. Here's a brief look at McCarthy's political career.

Political snapshot

1995: California Young Republicans, chairman.

1999-00: Young Republican National Federation, chairman.
Interned for U.S. Rep. Bill Thomas (R-Bakersfield).

Late 90s – 2000: District director for Thomas. McCarthy became known for his expertise in fundraising and his role in recruiting for the GOP.

2000: Elected as trustee to the Kern Community College District.

2002: Elected to represent the 32nd Assembly District in the California State Assembly.

2003: Elected Republican leader of the California Assembly. McCarthy was one of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s key allies during budget disputes with Democratic leadership in the California Legislature.

2006: Elected to Congress. Schwarzenegger described McCarthy as "Bakersfield boy," in a recording obtained by the Los Angeles Times.

Kevin McCarthy
Born in Bakersfield on Jan. 26, 1965
Lives in Bakersfield with his wife, Judy McCarthy, and their two children, Connor and Meghan.
By age 21, he started his own business in Bakersfield, Kevin O’s Deli.
Graduated from Cal State Bakersfield with a bachelors degree and masters in business administration.

MORE ABOUT THE HOUSE SHAKEUP

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Boehner's resignation exhilarates social conservatives waiting to hear from GOP hopefuls

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