SACRAMENTO – Today, California Republican Party Chairwoman Jessica Millan Patterson released the following statement on former Speaker of the House and California Republican Kevin McCarthy’s intention to retire from Congress at the end of the year:

“Our nation, our state and California’s 20th Congressional District are better off today because of Speaker Emeritus Kevin McCarthy’s years of service. As Speaker of the House, he envisioned and implemented a commonsense, conservative agenda to move our nation forward. From recruitment to fundraising, no one has done more to help Republicans get elected across this country, and his ceaseless efforts enabled us to pick up two separate GOP House majorities, including five seat pickups here in California. 

“I can speak personally to his recruitment efforts, as he’s the one who encouraged me to run for California Republican Party Chairwoman. He has been an incredible supporter and leader for the CAGOP, and we are stronger today as a result. I am so proud to call him a friend and mentor and am in awe of all that he has accomplished for our state and nation. I wish him all the best as he enters this next chapter.”