Tennessee GOP Rep. Tim Burchett praised House Speaker Mike Johnson for his honesty and integrity, specifically highlighting the fact that Johnson does not cheat on his wife. This statement appeared to be a subtle dig at former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who has faced rumors of infidelity in the past. Burchett did not confirm whom he will support in the upcoming speakership battle but indicated that Johnson is likely to prevail due to his character.
In the aftermath of former House Speaker John Boehner’s resignation, Kevin McCarthy was accused of having an affair with then-Rep. Renee Ellmers in an anonymous Wikipedia post. McCarthy denied the accusations but ultimately withdrew from consideration for the speakership. Burchett was part of a group of Republicans who opposed McCarthy’s leadership, and he later voted against an effort led by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene to unseat Johnson following a contentious vote on aid to Ukraine.
Former Rep. Matt Gaetz, who previously admitted to being a womanizer, supported Burchett’s praise of Johnson and echoed the sentiment regarding honesty and fidelity. The House Ethics Committee recently released a report accusing Gaetz of drug use, paying women for sex, and engaging in sexual relations with a minor, all of which he has denied. McCarthy suggested that Gaetz might be cheating on his wife earlier this year, but Gaetz dismissed those claims as unfounded.
House Speaker Mike Johnson faces a challenge to retain his position, with Rep. Thomas Massie and others indicating that they may not vote for him. President-elect Donald Trump formally endorsed Johnson, but some Republicans remain undecided or opposed. Despite attempts to rally support for Johnson, divisions within the party persist. Gaetz has advised fellow Republicans not to oppose Johnson in the upcoming speakership vote. The outcome of the speakership battle remains uncertain as factions within the Republican Party continue to voice their opinions and allegiance.
