Judy McCarthy is the wife of Kevin McCarthy, the former speaker of the United States House of Representatives who was ousted from his position in a historic vote on October 3, 2023. Judy has been married to Kevin McCarthy since 1992 and is the mother of his two children. She has mostly stayed out of the spotlight but has been supportive of her husband’s political career over the years. Here are some facts about Judy and her relationship with Kevin McCarthy.

Contents

Biodata

Family and Education

McCarthy was born as Judy Wages to Harvey and Sharon Wages in Frazier Park, California. She is the youngest of four children and has two sisters and one brother. Judy McCarthy’s father worked for National Cement and her mother was a housewife. She grew up in a close-knit family and had a strong foundation of faith from her mother.

Judy McCarthy attended Bakersfield High School, where she met Kevin McCarthy in a biology class. She initially liked one of his friends but Kevin won her over with his personality and persistence.

They graduated from high school in 1982 and went on to study at California State University, Bakersfield. Judy earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and Kevin earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing and a master’s degree in business administration.

Marriage and Children

Judy married Kevin McCarthy on August 29, 1992, in a ceremony at St. Francis Church in Bakersfield. They have two children together: Connor and Meghan. Connor was born in 1993 and Meghan was born in 1996. Both of them attended Bakersfield High School like their parents and later pursued higher education. Connor graduated from Georgetown University with a degree in government and Meghan graduated from Duke University with a degree in public policy.

Judy McCarthy has been a loyal and supportive partner to Kevin McCarthy throughout his political career. She has accompanied him to various events and functions and has also helped him with his campaigns and fundraising. She has also been involved in some charitable causes and organizations, such as the Ford’s Theatre Society, where she was named a trustee in 2014.

Career and Net Worth

Judy McCarthy has not pursued a professional career of her own but has focused on being a homemaker and raising her children. She has also assisted her husband with his business ventures before he entered politics. Kevin McCarthy owned a deli called Kevin O’s Deli that he sold in 1995 for $200,000. He also invested in real estate and stocks and became a millionaire by the age of 33.

Judy McCarthy’s net worth is not known but her husband’s net worth is estimated to be around $300,000 as of 2021, according to OpenSecrets.org. He earns an annual salary of $223,500 as a member of Congress. He also owns several properties in Bakersfield and Washington D.C., worth between $1 million and $5 million.

Personal Life and Trivia

• Judy McCarthy lives with her husband in their hometown of Bakersfield, California. They also have a residence in Washington D.C., where they spend most of their time when Congress is in session.
• Judy is an avid reader and enjoys books by authors such as John Grisham, David Baldacci, James Patterson, and Nora Roberts.
• McCarthy is a fan of country music and likes singers such as Garth Brooks, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, and Carrie Underwood.
• She appeared in an episode of the TV show “A Haunting” in 2007, where she played herself in a reenactment of a paranormal experience she had at her home.
• Judy McCarthy has faced some controversies and scandals involving her husband’s political career. In 2015, she defended him when he withdrew from the race for House speaker after facing criticism from conservative Republicans. In 2021, she stood by him when he voted against impeaching former President Donald Trump for inciting the Capitol riot on January 6. In 2023, she supported him when he was removed from his position as House speaker by a bipartisan vote of 216-210, led by far-right Republican Matt Gaetz.

Latest News

Kevin McCarthy, the former speaker of the House who was ousted by a bipartisan vote earlier this month, denied on Friday that he was considering resigning from Congress before the end of his term.

“No, I’m not resigning,” McCarthy told reporters at the Capitol. “We’re going to keep the majority. We are going to help the people we got here. And we are going to expand it further.”

McCarthy’s statement came after Politico and CNN reported that he was expected to step down sometime after the speaker’s election, which is scheduled to begin next week. The reports cited anonymous sources familiar with his thinking, who said that McCarthy was disillusioned with his role as a rank-and-file member and wanted to pursue other opportunities outside of politics.

McCarthy, who represents California’s 20th congressional district, has served in the House since 2007. He rose through the ranks of the Republican leadership, becoming the House majority leader in 2014 and the House minority leader in 2019. He was elected speaker of the House in January 2023, after former President Donald Trump endorsed him over his rival, Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio.

However, McCarthy’s tenure as speaker was short-lived and tumultuous. He faced criticism from both sides of the aisle for his handling of the January 6 insurrection at the Capitol, his refusal to cooperate with the select committee investigating the attack, and his loyalty to Trump despite his false claims of election fraud. On October 3, he became the first speaker in U.S. history to be removed from office by a motion to vacate, which was initiated by Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida and supported by 10 Democrats and 212 Republicans.

Since then, McCarthy has kept a low profile and avoided commenting on the speaker’s race, which is now a two-way contest between Jordan and House Majority Whip Steve Scalise of Louisiana. McCarthy said on Friday that he would not endorse either candidate, but that he would support whoever wins the Republican nomination.

“I’m not getting involved in that,” he said. “I think they’re both good people. I think they both can do the job.”

McCarthy also dismissed speculation that he was planning to run for governor of California in 2024, or for president in 2028. He said that he was focused on serving his constituents and helping Republicans win back the House in the next midterm elections.

“I love this job,” he said. “I love representing my district. I love being part of this team. And I think we have a great opportunity to make a difference for this country.”

A mixed legacy for McCarthy

McCarthy’s legacy as a House leader is likely to be mixed, according to political analysts and historians. On one hand, he was instrumental in advancing the Republican agenda under Trump, passing tax cuts, repealing regulations, confirming conservative judges, and opposing impeachment. He also helped Republicans regain control of the House in 2022, by recruiting diverse candidates, raising funds, and campaigning across the country.

On the other hand, he failed to unify his party or rein in its extremist factions, which often clashed with each other and with Democrats over policy and procedure. He also alienated many moderate and independent voters with his unwavering support for Trump, even after he incited violence against Congress and tried to overturn the election results.

“McCarthy was a pragmatic leader who tried to balance the competing interests and ideologies within his party,” said Julian Zelizer, a professor of history and public affairs at Princeton University. “But he ultimately sacrificed his principles and credibility for power and loyalty to Trump, which cost him his speakership and damaged his reputation.”

Zelizer added that McCarthy’s downfall was also a reflection of the broader challenges facing the Republican Party in the post-Trump era.

“The party is divided and directionless,” he said. “It has no clear vision or agenda for governing, except for opposing Biden and defending Trump. It has no effective leadership or discipline, except for fear of Trump’s wrath. And it has no appeal or outreach to a changing electorate, except for stoking culture wars and conspiracy theories.”

What’s next for McCarthy?

McCarthy’s future plans are unclear, but some observers have suggested that he could pursue a career in media, business, or academia. He could also remain active in politics as a fundraiser, strategist, or mentor for other Republicans.

“He still has a lot of influence and connections within the party,” said Lara Brown, a professor of political management at George Washington University. “He could use his skills and experience to help shape the direction and message of the party going forward.”

Brown also noted that McCarthy could attempt a political comeback in the future, if he can rebuild his image and regain the trust of his colleagues and voters.

“Politics is a cyclical and unpredictable business,” she said. “You never know when an opportunity or a crisis might arise that could change the dynamics and the landscape. McCarthy is still relatively young and ambitious. He might have another chance to lead or run for higher office someday.”