On Tuesday June 10 Eric Cantor, Majority Leader of the U.S.
House of Representatives, lost his primary to Tea Party candidate, David Brat in
Virginia's 7th Congressional District. Since the House Majority Leader and Minority Leader were created in 1899 during the
56th Congress, no Majority Leader has lost a primary election.
House leadership positions are voted in by rank-and-file party
members in the House and they facilitate party coordination in
scheduling and passing legislation. Additionally, they act as
representatives of party message during floor proceedings and
oversee committee Chairmen/women in the House.
Following his primary loss, Representative Cantor decided to step down as Majority Leader effective July
31, 2014. Thus far Representative Kevin McCarthy of California, the
Majority Whip of the House and close friend and ally of both
Representative Cantor and the office of Majority Leader is seen as
the likely next Majority Leader. This shuffle creates the
