Republicans vie for top House Energy and Commerce Committee spot

At least two members of Congress are vying to become the top Republican on the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

Reps. Brett Guthrie (R-Ky.) and Bob Latta (R-Ohio) are interested in replacing outgoing chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.), who will retire from the House next year. 

Guthrie spokesperson DJ Griffin confirmed to The Hill he is running to lead the powerful committee after Rodgers retires.

Meanwhile, a source close to Latta also said he will run for the top spot.

The Energy and Commerce Committee has broad jurisdiction, overseeing policy related to topics including energy, the environment, technology policy and health care. 

Rodgers said last week she would not seek reelection. Vice Chair Kelly Armstrong (R-N.D.) is also departing to run for governor of North Dakota.

It’s not clear whether the top Republican spot would be a chairship because that depends on which party wins the House majority this fall. If Democrats win, whoever takes Rodgers’s seat would instead be the panel’s ranking member. 

Guthrie is the chair of the Energy and Commerce’s health subcommittee; Latta is the chair of its subcommittee on communications and technology.