U.S. Rep. Jeb Hensarling, R-Dallas, "after prayerful reflection," is clearing the field for U.S. Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Dallas, in the race to succeed primary-losing House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Va.
Texas GOP members were upended over potentially having two of their own in the race, with Sessions, the House Rules Committee chairman announcing a run and Hensarling, the Financial Services Committee chairman, saying he was "prayerfully" considering it. Some of Texas' 24 GOP members met yesterday - both Sessions and Hensarling were there - with U.S. Rep. Joe Barton, R-Ennis, urging only one Texas candidate take on heir apparent Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif.
Here's Hensarling's statement today: "Although I am humbled by the calls, emails, and conversations from my colleagues encouraging me to return to leadership for the remainder of the 113th Congress, I will not be a candidate for Majority Leader next week. After prayerful reflection, I have come to the conclusion that this is not the right office at the right time for me and my family. I look forward to working with the new Majority Leader to fight for a freer, stronger, more prosperous America as Chairman of the Financial Services Committee and the Representative of the Fifth District of Texas."