WASHINGTON (AP) — Rep. Kevin McCarthy is a new face of the GOP, selected by House Republicans as their majority leader after a whirlwind round of politicking prompted by last week’s primary election defeat of Rep. Eric Cantor.

McCarthy’s lightning-fast ascent to the No. 2 House job in just his fourth term is a testament to the Californian’s political skills and talent for forming relationships. Now he has the daunting challenge of working to unite a fractious House Republican caucus that’s still in upheaval after Cantor’s upset loss, with the most conservative lawmakers smarting over McCarthy’s quick rise.