House Republican Conference Chairwoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., will not put herself forward for a leadership position after her party’s House defeat in the midterm elections.
McMorris Rodgers, who faced a leadership challenge from Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney, has announced that she will focus on gaining a ranking position on a House Energy and Commerce Committee subpanel, a source told The Hill.
"Members have been frustrated for a long time with the tired messaging coming out of conference and the election made it even clearer that a new direction is needed,” said one senior Republican staffer. "She would not have beat Liz.”
Aides also said McMorris Rodgers has no plan on challenging House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, R-La., for minority whip next year, though she may make a bid for a leadership position further down the line.
© 2026 Newsmax. All rights reserved.