Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., won’t run for House Republican Conference Chair, a decision that clears the way for Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., to win the number-three leadership position in next year’s Democratic-led House.
Rodgers, who is the current GOP Conference Committee chair, had planned to run for majority whip if the GOP maintained control of the House. But now that the GOP will be relegated to the minority, she’s not interested in challenging current Majority Whip Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La., who is positioned to win the role of minority whip.
McMorris Rodgers is expected to seek the position of ranking member on the Energy and Commerce Committee, a GOP aide told the Washington Examiner, but she does not rule out a return to the GOP leadership.
McMorris Rodgers won a tough re-election battle on Tuesday and is a top fundraiser. She raised $17 million this cycle, and delivered $2.1 million to the GOP fundraising arm and $9 million to members and candidates.
“Anyone saying her time in the leadership arena is over is short-sighted,” the aide said.
Cheney announced her candidacy for Conference Chair on Wednesday.
