Congress

House Leadership: Hensarling Bows Out

By Maria Recio

mrecio@mcclatchydc.com
House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio listens to a question during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Friday, Sept. 25, 2015. In a stunning move, Boehner informed fellow Republicans on Friday that he would resign from Congress at the end of October, stepping aside in the face of hardline conservative opposition that threatened an institutional crisis.
House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio listens to a question during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Friday, Sept. 25, 2015. In a stunning move, Boehner informed fellow Republicans on Friday that he would resign from Congress at the end of October, stepping aside in the face of hardline conservative opposition that threatened an institutional crisis. Jacquelyn Martin AP
WASHINGTON

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

This story was originally published September 28, 2015 at 11:51 AM with the headline "House Leadership: Hensarling Bows Out."

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