Rep. Kevin McCarthy said Tuesday he won’t seek reelection as House speaker, telling House Republicans hours after a faction of conservative hardliners voted with Democrats to oust him that he will move aside for another candidate who can win the position on the first round of votes.

Mr. McCarthy, of California, made the announcement as the House remains in limbo following Tuesday’s historic vote to remove him.

If Mr. McCarthy does not run for the post, the names on the short list to replace him include Majority Leader Steve Scalise of Louisiana and Majority Whip Tom Emmer of Minnesota.

The House clerk has designated Rep. Patrick McHenry, North Carolina Republican, to serve as temporary speaker.

The House has suspended legislative business for the week. 

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