In a groundbreaking announcement that rippled through the chambers of the United States Congress, former Acting Speaker of the House Patrick McHenry (R-NC), a stalwart defender of liberty, announced his retirement from the hallowed halls of the legislature at the close of his current term. Seen as a shockwave through the libertarian circles and political guru’s, this announcement brings an unexpected shift in the House’s dynamics.
I will be retiring from Congress at the end of my current term. 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.https://t.co/QCVurSYuhm
— Patrick McHenry (@PatrickMcHenry) December 5, 2023
McHenry conveyed his sentiments at the conclusion of his political journey in a heartfelt statement on Tuesday via a social media post. “I will be retiring from Congress at the end of my current term. 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,” he announced. It hinted not only at the completion of his political involvement but reflected on the profound reverence he held for the institution he served.
Since his swearing-in on January 3rd, 2005, McHenry has been an ardent supporter of the Constitution, dedicatedly upholding the system of government founded on principles of liberty and free will. He expressed his gratitude towards the people of western North Carolina for providing him the honor of being their voice in Washington. Throughout his tenure, McHenry remained deeply committed to his frontal position of representing his home to the capital, refraining from becoming the conduit for Washington’s voice in the west.
Acknowledging the vital role his staff played throughout his congressional term, McHenry extended his gratitude for their passion and dedicated service in, as he put it, the ‘special’ House of Representatives. He stressed that his time as a legislator allowed him to experience the intricate artistry of lawmaking, a role he held with deep pride. Echoing two decades of legislative craft, McHenry emphasized his faith in the institution’s strength and resilience, citing historical precedents of change.
McHenry’s tenure in the House was no less dramatic. He assumed the role of Acting Speaker after Kevin McCarthy’s ousting in a 216-210 vote triggered by Rep. Matt Gaetz’s Motion to Vacate the Chair. In a power-wielding sweep, he ordered Nancy Pelosi and Steny Hoyer to vacate their Capitol hideaway offices, an action validated by his mandate and viewed as a significant assertion of his role.
McHenry’s announcement didn’t come alone. It’s part of a recent wave of congressional retirements. Nearly 40 House members shared their intentions to leave their positions by the end of the term, prompting some to question the future of the House of Representatives. However, in his statement, McHenry confidently dismissed those apprehensions as ‘exaggerated.’
In conclusion, Patrick McHenry bows out of his congressional tenure with unshaken faith in the institution he served for nearly two decades. Leaving behind a legacy of steadfast dedication to libertarian values, relentless representation of his native western North Carolina, and an unwavering commitment to upholding the principles of the Constitution, McHenry exits the political stage. His departure may leave a void, but his unwavering faith in the institution’s next evolutionary stage provides a beacon of assurance. As the American political landscape continues to shift and reframe, libertarians look forward to the emergence of strong, liberty-valuing leaders filling the gap left by McHenry’s retirement.
