Washington, D.C. – House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (CA-23), Republican Whip Scalise (LA-01), Republican Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik (NY-21), House Education and Labor Ranking Member Virginia Foxx (NC-05), Rep. Rob Wittman (VA-01), Rep. Tony Gonzales (TX-23), and Rep. Julia Letlow (LA-05) held a press conference today to discuss the message voters across the country sent to their leaders in Washington.
“Today is a wakeup call for Washington Democrats – abandon the partisan, extremist agenda of Washington-based programs that cost trillions of dollars we don’t have for programs nobody wants,” said Leader McCarthy. “Americans are focused on the success and stability of their families.”
Remarks as prepared are below, or you can watch online here.
“Today is a wakeup call for Washington Democrats – abandon the partisan, extremist agenda of Washington-based programs that cost trillions of dollars we don’t have for programs nobody wants.
“This wakeup call was delivered by Americans in states and districts across the country that voted with a clear message: Americans are focused on the success and stability of their families.
“Democrats aren’t listening, and America is ready for a change in leadership.
“In Virginia, a Republican governor was elected after 13 consecutive statewide election losses to Democrats – which just a year ago President Biden won by 10 points. The glass ceiling was broken by the newly elected Republican Lt. Governor as well. In New Jersey, Democrats are underperforming 2020 election results by more than 15 points In a state Biden won by 16 – the race is still too close to call.
“The New Jersey Senate Democrat President lost to a Republican who spent less than $200 on his campaign.
“My take? Policy matters.
“In San Antonio, Texas – a State House seat that is 73% Hispanic and was carried by Joe Biden by 14% flipped to the Republican.
“In Seattle, Washington. Yes, you heard that right. Ann Davison, a Republican, is winning her race for City Attorney. How many nights has there been a riot in Seattle, Washington?
“She is poised to be the first woman in that role and Republican in 32 years.
“We grew our conference as well – Mike Carey won the special election for Ohio’s 15th Congressional District and outperformed expectations by trouncing a candidate Joe Biden endorsed just days ago.
“I don’t believe these races are about being a Republican, these races are about failed policies that Democrats have continued to push.
“I’m not sure what the Speaker will do. I know we’re on break next week and she’s off to another European trip. I think that would make three in three months.
“If i was a Democrat today, one thing I would know is that there is going to be a lot of retirements either before the election or in 370 days.
“The price of gasoline is higher than we’ve seen in seven years and the answer from your party is begging OPEC to produce more instead of America solving its own problems.
“The border is insecure, yet you want to spend trillions of dollars without securing the border.
“Your education policy is to push the Attorney General to investigate parents.
“If you didn’t know that policy was failed by the polling and if you didn’t know that these failed policies were a problem by the calls from Americans to your office, you should’ve woken up from last night.
“Because it wasn’t just in Virginia. It was in New Jersey. It was in Minneapolis. It was in Texas. And it was in Seattle.
“One thing I will tell you is Republicans listen. We hear you. We know the places that we can improve and we make this promise to you: we will soon unveil a Parents Bill of Rights.
“It doesn’t matter your wealth or the color of your skin, you have a right to know what is being taught in school. You have a right to participate. Education is the great equalizer. We’re all created equal and we’re going to make sure we make that happen across the country.”