The Republican Party’s House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (V) quits after losing his primary stint last Tuesday, June 10, which many believe has something to do with his stance on immigration reform.

Cantor decided to throw in the towel after his historic defeat in the Virginia Republican primary last Tuesday. He was defeated by Dave Brat, a Tea Party-inspired economics professor who is less-known than Cantor.

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The battle between the two culminated on the issue of whether Cantor is pro-amnesty in which Brat cited Cantor expressing his desire to grant legal status to young undocumented immigrants.

Cantor responded insisted he was not. The primary campaign was intensely focused on immigration reform that many believe led to Canto’s loss.

Cantor is stepping down from his post next month, but has expressed support for the House’s Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy (R) of California. McCarthy is expected to vie for the leadership in the June 19 elections.

After a closed-door meeting with Republican lawmakers, Cantor entertained the questions of reporters and told them he will stay in the House until his term expires end of this year.

“I will be stepping down as majority leader,” Cantor told reporters. “It is with great humility that I do so, knowing the tremendous honor it has been to hold this position.

Cantor endorsed McCarthy, which many believe could a force that could level the GOP playing field. He said he will back McCarthy and give his full support because he thinks McCarthy will make an outstanding majority leader.

However, the majority leader position is still up for grabs. Pete Sessions (R-T), the House’s Rules Chairman declared he would challenge McCarthy for the position. There were also reports that some conservatives have approached Jeb Hensarling (R), who also hails from Texas, to bid for the position. Hensarling is the House’s Financial Services Chairman.

Cantor’s defeat in the primary cuts short his once promising public career and derailed his track. Many see him as the candidate with the most potential to succeed House Speaker John Boehner.

Other GOP lawmakers were shocked by the results of the Virginia primary and could not believe Cantor lost.

"I thought he was an excellent leader," said Sen. John McCain (R-A). "But you have to respect the vote of the people."

Another young gun of the GOP, Rep. Mario Diaz Balart of Florida said that it will not be easy to fill the void Cantor will leave behind. Diaz Balart described Cantor as the ‘guy with big ideas.’

But for the Tea Party, Dave Brat’s win against Cantor is a significant message that Republican voters feel their interests are being left out by the GOP.

"This victory is a referendum on the establishment that has gone along with policies that have completely left out the voice of the people," said Jenny Beth Martin, chairman of the Tea Party Patriots Citizens Fund.

Cantor is the only Jewish Republican in Congress and the first majority leader to have lost a primary. Many attribute Cantor’s defeat in the Virginia primary.

TagsEric Cantor, Virginia Primary, Dave Brat, Kevin McCarthy, Tea Party, Immigration Reform