House Republicans could wind up costing themselves the speakership by removing Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) from the position — leading to his announcement that he’ll retire at the end of his year. Eight hard-right lawmakers led by Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) voted with Democrats to oust McCarthy in October, setting off a three-week scramble that finally landed on Mike Johnson (R-LA). But the ex-speaker’s retirement and the departures of two other GOP lawmakers could potentially put the gavel in the hands of House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries. “With George Santos, Kevin McCarthy, and Bill Johnson leavi…