Although President Trump, then a candidate, praised McCarthy's 2015 decision not to run for speaker, the lawmaker has developed a particularly close relationship with the president, who calls the congressman "My Kevin" and who could want to back a new leader he likes and respects. Earlier this year, McCarthy was tasked with explaining to Trump why the midterms could be bad for Republicans. The two men also speak and meet frequently.

Source: Los Angeles Times April 11, 2018 14:16 UTC