Political Wire

SubscribeSign in
  • Front Page
  • Trending
  • Polling
  • Trial Balloon
  • Books
  • Membership
    • Subscribe
    • Sign In
  • Sign In
  • Contact Us
Theme
Text size

Kevin McCarthy Gets a Portrait

September 15, 2026 · 7:13 pm ET · Leave a Comment

New York Times: “Mr. McCarthy served as speaker for just 269 days, but his portrait will now hang in the Capitol in perpetuity. It is a testament to the brief, strange tenure of a Republican who served as a bridge between the establishment-led GOP and the party it became after being fully subsumed by President Trump.”

“The portrait, which shows Mr. McCarthy standing by an open window with a slight smile on his face, captures his sunny personality and optimistic outlook, which he kept up even while proving himself to be a glutton for political punishment.”

The portrait is a fitting reminder that political ambition can take decades to fulfill and only moments to unravel.
Taegan

House of Representatives

From our partner:

October Surprise! 

For a limited time, sign up for a 90-day free trial to Political Wire. 

 

← PreviousNorth Carolina Republicans Are Counting On TrumpNext →Blanche Says No Investigation Into Don Jr.’s Wedding

Keep reading

Front page →

Political Wire is reader-supported. Join for ad-free reading, member posts and new features →

Taegan Goddard

Taegan Goddard

Taegan Goddard is the founder of Political Wire -- which for more than two decades has been one of the nation's most influential political news sites.

More about Taegan Goddard →

?Political Trivia

  • The Way It Was
    Eight moments in political history. Put them on a timeline.
    Play →
  • Yea or Nay?
    Five senators. Three bills. Can you guess how they all voted?
    Play →
  • Split Decision
    Nine Justices. One case. How did they rule?
    Play →
  • Pollster
    Do you have your finger on the pulse of America?
    Play →
  • Daily Trivia
    Four questions a day.
    Play →

A new game every day.

Your Account

Members

For the full experience, sign in.

Become a Member

  • Join Political Wire
  • Gift a Membership

Members Only

  • What Would a Blue Wave Really Look Like?
  • Trump Is an Even Bigger Liability Than Polls Suggest
  • Trump’s Broken Promise at the Pump
  • It’s the Corruption Too, Stupid
  • Weekly News Quiz
  • 2026 Election Overview

More members only posts →

?Political Trivia

  • The Way It Was →
  • Yea or Nay? →
  • Split Decision →
  • Pollster →
  • Daily Trivia →

Copyright © 2026 · Goddard Media LLC

Political Wire® is a registered trademark of Goddard Media LLC

Also from Goddard Media: Political Dictionary · Political Job Hunt · Electoral Vote Map

Privacy PolicyCorrections PolicyContact