McMorris Rodgers wins race for top GOP spot on Energy and Commerce

Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.) was elected by the House Republican Steering Committee to serve as the next ranking member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee on Wednesday. 

McMorris Rodgers — a former member of leadership who served as House Republican Conference chair — edged out Rep. Michael Burgess (R-Texas), a doctor and the most senior Republican on the panel, and Rep. Bob Latta (R-Ohio). 

Her relationship with leadership gave her an edge in the race, multiple senior GOP sources told The Hill. McMorris Rodgers is also one of the relatively few women in the House Republican Conference.

McMorris Rodgers touted her experience with messaging as the former conference chair and her policy record while making her pitch to Steering Committee members.

The position is being vacated by retiring Rep. Greg Walden (R-Ore.), who was term-limited out of the role. 

All three lawmakers campaigned heavily for the position ahead of the vote. The panel oversees a broad number of policy areas ranging from health care to energy. 

The panel is currently chaired by Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. (D-N.J.), though Republicans are hoping to take back the House in the 2022 midterms. 

The Steering Committee’s choices for ranking members are expected to be ratified by the full conference in the coming days.