Texas Rep. Jeb Hensarling opened the door on Wednesday to a possible run for House majority leader now that Eric Cantor is headed for the exits.
“I am humbled by the many people who have approached me about serving our Republican Conference in a different capacity in the future,” Hensarling said in a statement provided by his office. “There are many ways to advance the causes of freedom and free enterprise, and I am prayerfully considering the best way I can serve in those efforts.”
Hensarling is the former chairman of the House Republican Conference and currently the chairman of the House Financial Services Committee.
His name was mentioned by sources as someone who would likely consider a run for House GOP leader after its current officeholder, Virginia Rep. Eric Cantor, surprisingly lost his primary election on Tuesday.
David Brat, an economics professor at Randolph-Macon College, won more votes than Cantor on Tuesday in Virginia’s 7th Congressional District GOP primary.
“Eric Cantor is a friend and ally on many fronts,” Hensarling said. “He was, is, and will continue to be a good leader and servant for his district and our nation, and I am grateful for his service. While one chapter will ultimately close for him, I know that Eric will continue to work to advance the cause of freedom.”
Conservative sources pointed to Hensarling and Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan, the former chairman of the Republican Study Committee, as favored choices to replace Cantor. California Rep. Kevin McCarthy, the House majority whip, and Texas Rep. Pete Sessions, the chairman of the House Rules Committee, are also expected to consider a run for the position.