Kevin McCarthy previously was the House's Majority Whip but after a surprise primary loss by the now former Majority Leader Eric Cantor the spot was left open. Kevin McCarthy was able to secure enough House votes to elect him the new Majority Leader.
Louisiana Representative Steve Scalise also became the new House Majority Whip since McCarthy became the Majority Leader.
McCarthy becomes the Majority Leader of the House during a very tough time in the federal government. Immigration reform is running rampant across the White House and Congress, President Obama is being sued by the House, and its during a key election year. Being the number two spot in the House also gives McCarthy a clear path to become Speaker of the House in the future.