On Monday, Rep. Tom Emmer (R-Minn.), the current chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) announced his plans to run for majority whip if Republicans win back the House of Representatives this fall.
“Chairman Emmer is focused on winning in November. He's asked his colleagues for the opportunity to make an argument for Majority Whip once Republicans retake the House and fire Nancy Pelosi,” NRCC Communications Director Michael McAdams said in a statement Monday.
Rep. Emmer's bid for whip would also open up a race to replace him as chair of the NRCC, the fifth-ranking position in a House GOP majority.
If Republicans do manage to win back the House, Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) has expressed an interest in ousting Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) as House Speaker. The GOP has also seemingly united behind a plan to bump now-House Minority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) to majority leader.
Experts told The Hill that Rep. Emmer, who is currently in his second term as NRCC chair, is likely to lean on his success and “knowledge of dynamics in congressional districts in making the argument to lawmakers that they should elect him as their whip.”
House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) has also been floated as a possible contender for the position but has yet to publicly express any interest.
Republican Study Committee Chair Rep. Jim Banks (R-Ind.) is also considered a viable candidate for whip or another leadership position.
Rep. Emmer's early announcement could also tee up competition against Rep. Drew Ferguson (R-Ga.), the current chief deputy whip. In June, Politico reported that Rep. Ferguson had begun quietly asking colleagues for their support if the party wins back the House. However, Minority Leader McCarthy had a stark warning for Republicans openly vying for positions that haven't materialized yet.
“I think that would backfire on people, if they try to run for something that is not there yet,” McCarthy said. McCarthy didn't speak specifically about Ferguson, currently the GOP deputy whip, but took a subtle jab when asked about the only whip contender actively seeking backers: “I think what people want to see is people who are doing their job.”
“Look, I'm a former whip. And that job opened up after we won the election,” McCarthy recalled. “And I think one of the reasons why I was able to win the job as whip, only in my third term, was because we focused on winning the majority. And I think that is a greater attribute that people would look at.”
Is Rep. Emmer playing fire by announcing his campaign for whip too early? Who is your ideal candidate? Tell us what you think in the comments below!
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Sessions said he recalled McCarthy asking members for support, an easier feat for the Californian since, unlike Sessions, he wasn’t hamstrung by a different leadership position at the time.
Hooray Yes new blood needed
WE need solid MAGA reps in leadership!
Has to be a not a Trump hater, America 1st, tough on our enemies person WITH a strong backbone! Not a wuss!
Jim Jordan would have my vote were I in Congress.