The halls of the US Capitol are known for their marble, history and stoicism. But behind the heavy wooden doors, the quest for power is far less dignified.
Just ask Kevin McCarthy.
Looking back at his grueling 15-round battle for the Speaker's gavel in 2023, three years later the California Republican is opening up about power dynamics inside Congress before his abrupt exit.
So, where is the 55th Speaker of the House now?
If you think he's licking his wounds in quiet retirement, think again. He serves on the boards of the CIA and the LA Olympics, teaches at USC and Harvard, and launched both a defense-tech institute and a public affairs firm.
And his fundraising chops are still top-notch. The ex-Speaker raised $31 million last cycle for Republicans and is furiously working behind the scenes ahead of the upcoming midterms.
He is also a frequent commentator on Fox News, CBS, ABC and more - making appearances several times a week to give his expert analysis on political issues.
Recalling his hard-fought battle for the gavel, McCarthy paints a picture of desperate tears and ultimatums.
In one of his most stunning revelations to the Daily Mail, McCarthy vividly recalls the sheer panic of colleagues trying to exploit his bid for the gavel.
'I still remember Congressman Andy Harris literally crying inside the room because he wanted to leverage his vote that I would give him a subcommittee chairmanship on health,' McCarthy reveals.
His response was ice-cold: 'I told you a month ago, when you asked, I would never do that.'
When the conversation turns to Matt Gaetz, the Republican architect of his unprecedented ouster less than a year in power, McCarthy strips away all political correctness.
'He did the motion to vacate the day he responded to the Ethics Committee,' he states bluntly.
The halls of the US Capitol are known for their marble, history and stoicism. But behind the heavy wooden doors, the quest for power is far less dignified. Just ask Kevin McCarthy
Looking back at his grueling 15-round battle for the Speaker's gavel, the California Republican paints a picture of desperate tears and ultimatums. He's pictured with his wife (center) and 29-year-old daughter Meghan (right). McCarthy has two kids - his son Connor is 31
In one of his most stunning revelations to the Daily Mail, McCarthy vividly recalls the sheer panic of colleagues trying to exploit his bid for the gavel
With the clock ticking on a 24-month majority, McCarthy is already eyeing the 'very big bench' of talent ready to step in, naming Jim Jordan, Tom Emmer (pictured), August Pfluger, French Hill, Bruce Westerman and Jason Smith as those ready to do 'the job from all aspects'
'I still remember Congressman Andy Harris literally crying inside the room because he wanted to leverage his vote that I would give him a subcommittee chairmanship on health,' McCarthy reveals. Harris is pictured here on the right
Despite the bitter betrayal, McCarthy says he feels vindicated. 'I think they saved America a great deal by Gaetz not being able to get anywhere,' he says of the Senate's refusal to play ball with his former nemesis
As for the explosive allegations that ultimately forced Gaetz's resignation? McCarthy still thinks he should have been prosecuted for alleged sex crimes in Florida.
Despite McCarthy's scathing assessment, Gaetz has never been charged with a crime.
'Innocence makes prosecution very challenging. Kevin obsesses about me. It is pathetic,' Gaetz responded to the Daily Mail when asked for comment.
A years-long Department of Justice investigation into sex trafficking allegations concluded in 2023 without any charges being filed against him. Gaetz has consistently and vehemently denied all accusations of misconduct, repeatedly labeling them as a 'smear campaign' and part of an organized extortion plot.
The controversy reached a fever pitch in late 2024 when Trump tapped the Florida firebrand to serve as US Attorney General. Gaetz was forced to withdraw his nomination just days later as the ethics firestorm and mounting opposition in the Senate made his path to confirmation impossible.
Despite the bitter betrayal, McCarthy says he feels vindicated. 'I think they saved America a great deal by Gaetz not being able to get anywhere,' he says of the Senate's refusal to play ball with his former nemesis.
While McCarthy acknowledges current Speaker Mike Johnson is 'working hard,' he delivers a blunt reality check on his shelf-life.
Unlike Democrats, who 'kept all their leadership' after losing power, Republicans are a different beast.
'If you're the speaker historically in the house as Republicans, if you lose the majority, we do something new and go with new leadership,' he warns.
Unlike Democrats, who 'kept all their leadership' after losing power, Republicans are a different beast he says
When the conversation turns to Matt Gaetz, the architect of his unprecedented ouster, McCarthy strips away all political correctness
He is also able to spend a bit more time with family, including his daughter (left)
McCarthy is pictured here in his office underneath one of his favorite photos of Abraham Lincoln by Steve Penley
If you think he's licking his wounds in quiet retirement, think again. He serves on the boards of the CIA and the LA Olympics, teaches at USC and Harvard, and has launched both the ALFA Institute, focused on technology and defense, and Watchtower, a public affairs firm
With the clock ticking on a 24-month majority, McCarthy is already eyeing the 'very big bench' of talent ready to step in, naming Jim Jordan, Tom Emmer, August Pfluger, French Hill, Bruce Westerman and Jason Smith as those ready to do 'the job from all aspects'
On 2028, McCarthy sees a clear, if obvious, frontrunner for the GOP nomination
With the clock ticking on a 24-month majority, McCarthy is already eyeing the 'very big bench' of talent ready to step in.
He names Jim Jordan, Tom Emmer, August Pfluger, French Hill, Bruce Westerman and Jason Smith as those ready to do 'the job from all aspects.'
As for President Trump? He's still on speed dial.
'He just called me night before last,' McCarthy says.
On 2028, McCarthy sees a clear, if obvious, frontrunner for the GOP nomination.
'JD Vance has the best chance to do it, if that's what he wants to do,' he says, adding he would also be 'extremely proud' to see Marco Rubio as President one day.
While McCarthy acknowledges current Speaker Mike Johnson is 'working hard,' he delivers a blunt reality check on his shelf-life
McCarthy pictured here with his son on a family trip in Tokyo
He recently dropped $100,000 into Virginia to unsuccessfully stop Democrats from redrawing political maps.
As for running again: 'I'm still young enough,' he teases.
It's a line that lands differently once you know he started as a 20-year-old from Bakersfield who won $5,000 on a lottery ticket, invested it, opened a deli, and set his sights on the very congressional seat that once rejected his internship application.