Rep. Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) has officially announced her candidacy for chair of the Republican Conference in the next Congress, following the current chair's selection for the top role in the Trump administration.
“The modern Republican Party embodies my home state of Michigan, giving Republicans a majority in the White House, the Senate, and the House of Representatives,” McClain said in a statement first shared with Fox News Digital. “From humble beginnings working on a horse farm to founding companies that manage billions in assets, the modern Republican Party has achieved the American Dream and put President Trump's 'America First' agenda behind America. We need someone who can effectively communicate to the people. Why am I announcing my candidacy for Speaker of the House Republican Conference today?”
The announcement came just hours after President-elect Trump nominated the current speaker, Rep. Elise Stefanik (RN.Y.), to be the next administration's ambassador to the United Nations.
“It has been an honor to serve with Chair Stefanik as Executive Director of our conference for the past two years. Elise has done a great job during her tenure. We look forward to building on the successes we brought to this conference.'Trump will Make America Great Again,' McClain added.
President Trump appoints Stefanik as UN ambassador
Rep. Lisa McClain, R-Mich. (Tom Williams)
The conference chair is the fourth position in the chamber and oversees the conference and the day-to-day operations of House Republicans.
House majority hinges on 18 no-vote races, with Republicans trailing by just four seats
The race for the speaker's seat remains wide open due to Stefanik's entry into the Trump administration, having held the position since replacing former Rep. Liz Cheney in 2021.
Representatives Kat Cammack (R-FL) and Erin Houchin (R-IN) are also reportedly running.
House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik (RN.Y.) speaks at a press conference in Washington, D.C., June 13, 2024. (Tom Williams)
In a “Dear Colleague Letter” first shared on FOX News Digital on Monday, McClain made his case.
“First, I am well-placed to effectively communicate our nation's policy to the American people and protect the conference from the expected onslaught of attacks ahead,” she wrote.
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McClain also noted the ability to keep the seats blue.
“Second, I come from a blue state that is one of the most important battleground states for the presidency and the House majority, so I understand what it takes to win tough races. As a proud representative of President Trump, I helped make Macomb County politically relevant.” McClain said in a letter to colleagues. “This is exactly the approach we will need over the next two years to ensure we maintain and grow our conference the way we did with our great teammates.”
