Rep. Jeb Hensarling, R-Texas, a far-right favorite to lead House Republicans, will forgo a race for either speaker or leader.
“After prayerful consideration, Chairman Hensarling is not a candidate for a leadership position. He will support Chairman Price for Majority Leader,” said Sarah Rozier, Hensarling’s spokesperson.
The decision helps pave the way for House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., to succeed House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, who shocked Congress Friday by announcing he would step down Oct. 30.
Hensarling, chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, is popular with the tea party.
His public endorsement of Rep. Tom Price, R-Ga., for leader, may boost Price’s chances in what appears to be a crowded field for leader. House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, R-La., House Republican Conference Chairman Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash. and House Rules Committee Chairman Pete Sessions, R-Texas, are all considering running for the leadership post.
Maria Recio: 202-383-6103, @maria_e_recio