Kevin McCarthy gets MAGA primary challenger

Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) is getting a primary challenger in his reelection race for his House seat representing the state’s 20th congressional district. 

David Giglio, who previously lost a congressional bid for the state’s 13th District, is running as an “America First Republican” who will “fight alongside President Donald Trump in 2024 as he WAGES WAR against the corrupt uniparty,” according to Giglio’s campaign website. 

Giglio also took direct aim at McCarthy, who was ousted from his post Oct. 3, when eight Republicans joined Democrats in favor of a motion to vacate the chair of Speaker. The rebel group of Republicans was angry about McCarthy's last-minute, bipartisan deal to keep the government funded.

“Kevin McCarthy FAILED the American people by not keeping his promises and capitulating to the corrupt Biden Regime and the radical Democrats,” Giglio said on the website. 

“Americans are fed up with the status quo and hungry for change. I intend to do whatever it takes to fight, win, and deliver it for them!” he said on the campaign’s donation page. “Help me DEFEAT the Swamp by making a generous donation below and together we will send an America First fighter to Washington!”

The Hill reached out to Giglio for comment. The Federal Election Commission website showed Giglio filed the necessary paperwork to run for the district Sunday. 

McCarthy is known as a prolific fundraiser and has easily won reelection in the past. During his time as Speaker, McCarthy was largely a fierce defender of Trump’s and maintained a good working relationship with the former president. 

Shortly after his removal as Speaker, McCarthy shot down reports that he would vacate his seat early, saying he planned to run for reelection.

“I’m not resigning. I got a lot more work to do,” McCarthy told reporters.