McCarthy, Kevin, 1965-

Kevin Owen McCarthy (born January 26, 1965) is an American businessman and politician. A member of the Republican Party, he has represented California in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2007. Initially elected from the 22nd congressional district, his district was renumbered as the 23rd district following the 2010 census. A member of the Republican House leadership since 2009, he has served as House Republican Chief Deputy Whip (2009-2011), House Majority Whip (2011-2014), House Majority Leader (2014-2019), and House Minority Leader (2019-present).

Born in Bakersfield, California, he attended Bakersfield College before earning B.S. and M.B.A. degrees from California State University, Bakersfield. After briefly running a delicatessen, McCarthy served on the staff of Congressman Bill Thomas from 1987 to 2002. In 1995, he was chairman of the California Young Republicans. From 1999 to 2001, he was chairman of the Young Republican National Federation. McCarthy won his first election in 2000, as a Kern Community College District trustee.

McCarthy was elected to the California State Assembly in 2002. As a freshman legislator, he was selected unanimously by his Republican colleagues to serve as the Assembly Republican Leader, becoming the first freshman legislator and the first legislator from Kern County to assume this top post in the California Legislature. McCarthy worked with his colleagues in the Assembly and Senate and with the Governor to reduce California’s budget deficit, overhaul the state workers’ compensation system, and enhance California’s business climate to create more opportunities for California workers and businesses.

Since McCarthy was elected to Congress, he has helped to block tax increases, cut government spending, passed bills to create jobs, and promoted North American energy independence.