McCarthy Opponent Byron Donalds Gives ‘Phenomenal’ Answer to Reporter’s ‘Threats’ Question: ‘I’m 6-2, 275’

In a political world in which sound bites often define character, Republican Rep. Byron Donalds of Florida issued one with teeth Wednesday when asked about his opposition to electing Republican Rep. Kevin McCarthy of California as speaker of the House.

Surrounded by media representatives outside of the Capitol, Donalds was asked if he was worried about “threats” and retribution” for turning against McCarthy, who if elected as speaker could exact political vengeance in terms of committee assignments.

“Man, I’m 6-2, 275; I’m not worried about that,” Donalds shot back.

Reporter: “You’ve put yourself in a pretty public position opposing the person that could be the speaker. Are you worried about retribution?”

Rep. Byron Donalds: “Man, I’m 6’2″, 275, I’m not worried about that.” pic.twitter.com/UQJIq0G50R

— Evan McMurry (@evanmcmurry) January 4, 2023

Many watching the spectacle of multiple rounds of voting in which McCarthy failed to secure enough support to be elected speaker finally heard something in which to rejoice, calling the comment “phenomenal” and Donalds a “legend.”

Phenomenal answer ???

— Chris Manno (@Mann_O_Steel17) January 5, 2023

Legend.

— David Giglio (@DavidGiglioCA) January 5, 2023

Ok, I’m starting to like this guy.

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) January 4, 2023

This is magnificent!

— Sherri (@SherriBeardslee) January 5, 2023

Donalds emerged in the political limelight Tuesday when, after supporting McCarthy for the first two rounds of votes, he turned against the California congressman. On Wednesday, Donalds was nominated for the speakership by dissident Republicans.

In nominating him on Wednesday, Republican Rep. Chip Roy of Texas said, “This country needs a change. This country needs leadership that does not reflect this city, this town that is badly broken,” according to The Associated Press.

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Donalds received 20 votes Wednesday, compared with the 201 GOP votes cast for McCarthy. All 212 Democrats are backing Democratic Rep. Hakeem Jeffries of New York.

During her speech nominating Donalds during the fifth vote for speaker, Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert of Colorado said the job of House Republicans “is not to coronate the biggest fundraiser or rubberstamp the status quo or keep on going along to get along. It’s to use our votes to elect a speaker who will enable us to get our country back on track.”