House Republican Conference Chairwoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., has said she won’t run for House Majority Leader in the coming weeks.
The number two job in the House is expected to open up once current Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., replaces John Boehner as House speaker. McCarthy by all accounts is a prohibitive favorite in that race.
McMorris Rodgers was thought to be considering a way to move up a few notches in the GOP leadership structure, but told reporters that she would not run.
“The best way right now for me to empower my colleagues through positive change is to remain Conference Chair,” she said, according to Politico.
Her decision means the two leading contenders in the race to be majority leader are House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, R-La., and House Budget Committee Chairman Tom Price, R-N.C.
