Rumors swirl as GOP plans bash celebrating Kevin McCarthy: 'Is this a going away party?'

House Republicans are throwing a party for deposed Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) as rumors swirl about the former House leader's political future, reported Politico on Monday.

McCarthy was removed from the speakership after a revolt of far-right lawmakers, leading to weeks of chaos while the party struggled to choose a replacement, finally settling on Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA).

The reception, scheduled for December 13, is billed as marking McCarthy's “tireless work in support" of fundraising for the caucus — but some members are speculating whether this is something more final. One Republican who received the invitation speculated to reporters, “Is this a going away party?”

This matches other reports suggesting some in the caucus believe he could resign from Congress early.

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According to the report, some other Republicans "wonder if McCarthy will stay in office to prevent the party from facing an even thinner majority, particularly after the House expelled scandal-plagued New Yorker George Santos from Congress last week." This also comes as Rep. Bill Johnson (R-OH) is scheduled to leave office early, which would leave the GOP with a majority of just 1 if McCarthy were also to leave.

McCarthy must file for re-election by Friday if he intends to seek another term in office.