House Republican Conference leader Elise Stefanik, the third-ranking House Republican, has suggested she is leaning against running for whip, a leadership position that would become open if House Republicans re-win the majority this November.
The Washington Examiner reports:
Two senior GOP sources said that Stefanik, the chairwoman of the House Republican Conference, has been keeping her options open in terms of moving up the party leadership ranks. The upstate New York congresswoman is also being eyed by those in the orbit of former President Donald Trump as his running mate if he makes a 2024 White House comeback bid.
The majority whip position would open up if House Republicans win control in November, an effort requiring netting five seats in the 435-member chamber at a time when President Joe Biden’s approval ratings continue to decline amid persistently high inflation, spiking gas prices, and a range of other problems. In a House Republican majority, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy would presumably become the speaker, and Rep. Steve Scalise, who is now the minority whip, would move up to majority leader.
Stefanik’s communications director, Ali Black, said the congresswoman is only focused on helping Republicans win back a majority in the House at the time.
“Congresswoman Stefanik is focused on serving as House Republican Conference chair as the chief messaging and communications strategist for what is looking to be a red tsunami in the House,” Black said. “She is committed to working her hardest in the #3 slot through Election Day to ensure we fire Nancy Pelosi once and for all. She is encouraged by the positive outpouring of support and encouragement from her colleagues for future opportunities in the House. She never takes any election for granted, and she will not be making any announcements about future positions until after ensuring Republicans win big this November to save America.”
However, an unnamed GOP strategist says that Stefanik is an obvious choice to be considered for the position.
“Elise is in the top tier for whip. Period,” the person said. “Anyone who says otherwise is wishing her away because they fear how effective she is. She is smart to hold her cards close and focus on her job at hand leading the conference, while others are measuring the drapes.”
If Stefanik ultimately does decide to run for the position she’s sure to face a crowded field of competitors.
Top contenders being floated include Chief Deputy Whip Drew Ferguson (R-GA), Republican Study Committee Chairman Jim Banks, and the head of the House GOP campaign arm, the National Republican Congressional Committee, Rep. Tom Emmer.
