Kevin McCarthy to succeed House Speaker John Boehner

US House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy has formally made a bid to succeed John Boehner (R-Ohio) as speaker to "lead the fight" for the conservative party.

The Monday announcement was made via an email to a Republican conference three days after Boehner stunned Washington with his resignation.

“If elected speaker, I promise you that we will have the courage to lead the fight for our conservative principles and make our case to the American people,” McCarthy wrote to colleagues. “But we will also have the wisdom to listen to our constituents and each other so that we always move forward together.”

“We can’t ignore the differences that exist, but we can and must heal the divisions in our conference with work, time, and trust,” McCarthy wrote in the email to House Republicans. “That is why I have decided to run for Speaker of the House and graciously ask for your support.”

McCarthy made his decision public after Boehner told the House Republican Conference Friday that he would resign to prevent further division among its members.

"I am running to be your Speaker because I know that the People’s House works best when the leadership you elect listens to members and respects the legislative process entrusted to committees," McCarthy said.

McCarthy, a US representative for California's 23rd District, had naturally been considered next in line for the position.

“I don’t want to leave my successor a dirty barn. I want to clean the barn up a little bit before the next person gets there,” the Ohio Republican said.

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