SPOKANE, Wash. — Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers will not run for reelection as a GOP conference chair. CNN and The Hill first reported the development. KREM has confirmed the reports.
Democrats regained the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives in Tuesday night’s midterm elections. It is the first time since 2012 that Democrats will control either chamber of Congress.
McMorris Rodgers is currently the No. 4 Republican in the House and had been aiming to run for whip if there were a vacancy, according to CNN.
McMorris Rodgers was first elected conference chair in 2012.
If she ran to maintain her current position, she would face a challenge from Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming. A source close to her said McMorris Rodgers plans to vie for ranking member of one of the subcommittees within Energy and Commerce.
McMorris Rodgers' office confirmed she would focus on the Energy and Commerce Committee.
“As always, Cathy’s number one priority is to get results for the people of Eastern Washington. Cathy continues to hear from the people she represents about the need to improve health care, invest in rural broadband, and advance commonsense energy solutions. That’s why she feels the best way to make a difference on the issues that matter to the people she represents is to focus on her work in the Energy and Commerce Committee and not seek election to the House Republican Leadership team this Congress,” said Jared Powell, Spokesman for McMorris Rodgers.
McMorris Rodgers won reelection in Washington’s 5th District on Tuesday.
Challenger Lisa Brown conceded to McMorris Rodgers Tuesday night.
Brown said she called McMorris Rodgers and congratulated her.
McMorris Rodgers received 56 percent of the vote and issued a statement saying,
"Thank you for standing alongside me, Brian, our three kids and our wonderful family. I am incredibly proud and honored to serve you. And I look forward to keeping the momentum going and continuing to work hard to get results for the hardworking men and women in Eastern Washington.”
