A storm was brewing in the House GOP around this time two years ago, and then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy could feel it coming.

McCarthy had ascended to the speakership at the beginning of the 118th Congress under tumultuous circumstances. He won the top spot in the House after 15 ballots, and Freedom Caucus foes were a constant threat to his leadership. A historic vote would soon be called to oust McCarthy, and the California Republican needed to choose someone to temporarily fill his shoes after he was deposed.

He opted for Patrick T. McHenry, a man who had actively avoided leadership.

“I wanted someone who could work with all sides, someone who wasn’t seeking the job, someone who had been a committee chair. Patrick was a perfect fit,” McCarthy said Tuesday night in Statuary Hall.

McCarth

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