Michigan's McClain running for House GOP conference chair

Melissa Nann Burke, The Detroit News on Nov 11, 2024

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WASHINGTON — Michigan U.S. Rep. Lisa McClain plans to announce she's running to be chair of the House Republican Conference, the No. 4 post in the House GOP, according to a source familiar.

The chair position is suddenly available after President-elect Donald Trump indicated he plans to nominate the current chair, New York Rep. Elise Stefanik, to serve as his ambassador to the United Nations in his new administration.

McClain, a second-term lawmaker from Bruce Township and Trump ally, currently is the conference secretary.

McClain on Monday was talking with colleagues encouraging her to run and feeling good about her chances in leadership elections this week, a source close to her said. Others expected to be in the running include U.S. Reps. Blake Moore, the conference's vice chair from Utah, Rep. Erin Houchin of Indiana and Kat Cammack of Florida, according to published reports.

Stefanik has held the position of conference chair since 2021 when GOP lawmakers ousted Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney from the role because she had repeatedly denounced former President Donald Trump’s “Big Lie” that the 2020 election was stolen.

The House hadn't formally been called for Republicans as of Monday, with about 10 or so House races yet to be decided from last week's election.

Others in Michigan delegation are also eyeing leadership posts in the next Congress.

U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg, R-Tipton, wants to lead the House Education and the Workforce Committee, where he's served for more than a decade. He faces a challenge from Utah Rep. Burgess Owens, who is also eyeing the gavel.

Rep. Bill Huizenga, R-Holland, is vying for the chairmanship of the House Financial Services Committee. Others in the running for that post include Reps. Andy Barr of Kentucky and French Hill of Arkansas.

Rep. John Moolenaar, R-Caledonia, is currently the only Michigan House lawmaker that holds a gavel ― he chairs the House Select committee on China.

House Speaker Mike Johnson back in July said he would renew the China panel in the 119th Congress, and Moolenaar at the time thanked Johnson for his "clear-eyed assessment of the existential threat posed by the Chinese Communist Party and the importance of the Select Committee on the CCP in tackling that threat head-on."

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