House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) is throwing his support behind the effort to replace Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) with Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.).
Fox News’ Maria Bartiromo asked McCarthy on Sunday, “Do you have the votes to formally oust Liz Cheney?”
McCarthy replied, “Everyone in leadership serves at the pleasure of the conference.”
He accused Democrats of “destroying this nation” with “the greatest expansion of government and their socialist, liberal agenda.”
McCarthy explained, “To defeat Nancy Pelosi and this socialist agenda, we need to be united and that starts with leadership … We want to be united in moving forward and I think that’s what will take place.”
Watch McCarthy’s interview below:
Bartiromo then asked, “Is this just her ideology, that’s she’s unable to get over being never Trump?”
McCarthy responded, “Any member can take whatever position they believe in. That’s what the voters vote on the individuals and they make that decision.”
Stressing it is a matter of leadership, McCarthy continued, “We are in one of our biggest battles ever for this nation and the direction, whether this next century will be ours. As conference chair, you have one of the most critical jobs as the messenger of going forward.”
He declared Republicans need “a conference that’s united, that’s why we need a conference chair that is delivering that message day in and day out.”
When asked if he supports Stefanik for the position, McCarthy replied, “Yes I do.”
Axios reported last week McCarthy was caught on a hot mic expressing frustration with Cheney.
“I think she’s got real problems,” he told Fox News’ Steve Doocey, adding, “I’ve had it with … I’ve had it with her. You know, I’ve lost confidence. … Well, someone just has to bring a motion, but I assume that will probably take place.”
House Republicans are expected to vote to remove Cheney from her leadership position this week.
