Kevin McCarthy will have to defy history, beat back a possible Democratic wave and win over a skeptical House Freedom Caucus to become the 55th speaker of the House.

That, and watch out for House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, too.

Speaker Paul Ryan’s retirement announcement instantly thrust McCarthy and Scalise into a race for speaker that will unfold as the GOP battles to hold onto control of the House.

Burdened with an unpopular president, as well as having to keep a close eye on Scalise (R-La.) — who also has publicly declared his desire to be speaker, but only if McCarthy falters —the 53-year-old California Republican will have to find a way to lead the House GOP to victory in November.

And even if Republicans hold on in November – a huge question mark at this point– McCarthy will then have to deal with the House Freedom Caucus, which tanked his 2015 bid to become speaker, creating the path for Ryan‘s ascension.