The USC Center for the Political Future hosted a former Speaker of the U.S. House Kevin McCarthy on Tuesday for a campus conversation on navigating political polarization and advancing policy solutions.
The event, held in Taper Hall, featured McCarthy in discussion with former U.S. Rep. Garret Graves, a Republican from Louisiana, now a spring 2026 fellow at the center. The conversation was part of Graves’s study group, “Focused on Outcomes: Overcoming Political Polarization – From Disasters to the AI Revolution.”
The event discussed how political leaders can move beyond gridlock to address pressing national challenges, drawing on the speakers’ experiences in Congress.
While the formal event was not open to the media, McCarthy spoke briefly about the importance of civic engagement in an Annenberg Media interview prior to the event. Though McCarthy promoted an approach of compromise on partisan issues, no specific policy issues were mentioned to the media at this time.
“I’m excited to be at USC,” McCarthy said. “Everybody has different philosophies, but at the end of the day, we have to work together.”
He emphasized the value of open discussion, particularly in a university setting, where students are actively engaging with political issues. McCarthy encouraged students to deepen their understanding of complex topics and approach political challenges with a problem-solving mindset.
“The government in America isn’t designed for one side to get everything they want,” he said. “You have to find ways to compromise while keeping your principles.”
McCarthy also highlighted the importance of learning how the political system works as a way to increase participation and strengthen democratic engagement.
The USC Center for the Political Future regularly hosts fellows from across the political spectrum, offering students opportunities to engage with policymakers through discussions, office hours, and public events. The program aims to foster civil discourse and expose students to a range of political perspectives.
Robert M. Shrum, director of the USC Center for the Political Future and USC professor, said the event offered students a valuable perspective on political leadership and public service.
“I think it was very useful for students to hear Kevin McCarthy’s story,” Shrum said. “He didn’t start out at a place like USC. He started out at a community college in Bakersfield… and ended up as speaker of the House.”
Shrum highlighted McCarthy’s political trajectory as an example of how students can become involved in public service.
“If students care about public service, it was a great story about how to get involved,” he said.