Julián Castro is a former Democratic candidate for president. Kevin McCarthy is former Speaker of the House. Together, they have a combined 50 years of experience working in politics and public service, on different sides of the aisle, and their unique paths and perspectives will converge in today’s conversation about the role and impact of the United States as the global population continues barreling toward its peak.
Castro and McCarthy will be speaking today at 10:45 a.m. in the Amphitheater, the final installment of this week’s Chautauqua Lecture Series theme “Eight Billion and Counting: The Future of Humankind in a Crowded World.”
Their conversation will focus specifically on how continued growth of the global population will impact the United States, especially in regards to immigration, housing, technology, and some of the other most pressing issues in America right now.
“Chautauqua has long been committed to conversation across differences and joining together in dialogue, versus debate,” said Deborah Sunya Moore, chief program officer and senior vice president, whose portfolio includes overseeing the Chautauqua Lecture Series program. “While the country often yearns for debate, we continue to believe that strong opinions can be heard and received in a way that deepens understanding. We expect McCarthy and Castro to close our week with tough topics and articulate viewpoints.’’
Castro began his political career in San Antonio, serving on the city council from 2001 to 2005, and then as mayor from 2009 to 2014. He stepped down to become the 16th Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, serving in President Barack Obama’s cabinet. He would serve as HUD secretary until the end of Obama’s term in 2016.
Castro’s tenure as HUD secretary and his presidential campaign during the 2020 election both featured some similar focuses, particularly on expanded access to affordable housing, more immigration-friendly policies, and expanding internet and technology access across the urban-rural divide in many areas.
McCarthy began his career in politics on the staff of former U.S. Rep. Bill Thomas (R-Calif.), working there for 15 years while also serving as chair of both the California Young Republicans and the Young Republican National Federation.
In 2002, he was elected to the California State Assembly, and in 2006 he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, succeeding his former boss Thomas, who had represented California’s 22nd district since 1979.
McCarthy was appointed to the House Republican steering committee during his first term and began working his way through the House GOP ranks, becoming chief deputy whip, then majority whip, and finally being elected as majority leader in 2014, making him the highest ranking Republican member of the House of Representatives.
McCarthy was elected Speaker of the House in January 2023, following a 15-ballot election process that ranks among the longest in the history of the House of Representatives. He served as Speaker until October 2023, when a motion to vacate the speakership passed through the House by six votes; McCarthy resigned from Congress shortly afterward.
McCarthy has continued to work in Republican politics since leaving Congress, assisting with fundraising efforts and making occasional appearances on national news outlets. Castro now serves as CEO of the Latino Community Foundation, the largest Latino-serving foundation in the United States.
