Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) took aim at Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) for his successful effort to remove him as speaker, quipping that Gaetz's ethics investigation "must be rather serious" for him to take that step.

"I don't know why they would follow Gaetz about his ethics complaint," McCarthy said of the seven Republicans that joined Gaetz in ousting him. "I don't know what's in it. I legally can't be involved in it — must be rather serious to put this much jeopardy into this nation."

SPEAKERLESS HOUSE: THE LONGEST THE HOUSE HAS GONE WITHOUT A SPEAKER

McCarthy and his allies have portrayed Gaetz as a self-serving member of the Republican Party since he removed the California Republican as speaker on Oct. 3. McCarthy said during his farewell speech that the motion to vacate him was "personal" for Gaetz and "all about his ethics."

Gaetz is currently under investigation for allegations of sexual misconduct and misuse of funds, an investigation that has been underway for roughly two years — before Republicans took control of the House and McCarthy was elected speaker.

However, the Florida Republican has suggested the investigation was part of a smear campaign lobbied against him by McCarthy and his allies.

“I am the most investigated man in the United States Congress,” Gaetz said after announcing his motion to vacate. “It seems that the Ethics Committee’s interest in me waxes and wanes based on my relationship with the speaker.”

Since McCarthy was ousted, House Republicans have named Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) and Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) as their first and second nominees for speaker. Both House GOP leaders failed to receive the 217 votes needed to become speaker, so the conference is now looking at seven possible contenders heading into this week.

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McCarthy is supporting Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN), who officially announced his candidacy for speaker on Saturday morning. He said the multiple rounds of failed speakership elections are "embarrassing" for the party.

"I would have hoped that everyone would come together, put the country before the politics, and actually solve this. Steve Scalise would have done an excellent job — I supported him, Jim Jordan would have. I just know this is not a time to play games," McCarthy said. "This is embarrassing for the Republican Party. It's embarrassing for the nation. And we need to look at one another and solve the problem."