SEATTLE — U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Spokane ended speculation Monday, saying in a statement she won’t join the race for House majority leader.
Instead, McMorris Rodgers said she’ll seek to remain in the No. 4 position in the House GOP as chair of the House Republican Conference, The Seattle Times reported.
McMorris Rodgers had been seen as a contender for majority leader as the top-ranking woman in House Republican leadership. The guesswork surrounding leadership began last week after House Speaker John Boehner announced he’ll resign at the end of October.
“At this time, I believe the best way for me to work for Eastern Washington is to remain Conference Chair,” McMorris Rodgers said in an emailed statement to The Seattle Times. “My top priority is to make a difference for the people of Eastern Washington. It’s my home, and every person I represent inspires me.”
She didn’t say if she’ll back one of the other candidates for majority leader. Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., is the top candidate for the speaker role.
Since 2005, McMorris Rodgers has served in the U.S. House representing Eastern Washington’s 5th Congressional District.
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