Hensarling opts out of GOP race

The conservative favorite said in a statement Thursday he was not going to challenge Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) or Rep. Pete Sessions (R-Texas) for the No. 2 spot in House GOP leadership.

{mosads}“Although I am humbled by the calls, emails, and conversations from my colleagues encouraging me to return to leadership for the remainder of the 113th Congress, I will not be a candidate for Majority Leader next week,” he said. “After prayerful reflection, I have come to the conclusion that this is not the right office at the right time for me and my family.”

The chairman of the powerful banking panel is a long-time favorite of conservatives, and many wanted Hensarling to take on a larger role in the party to represent their interests after the stunning primary loss from Cantor. The six-term lawmaker previously was a member of GOP leadership in a reduced capacity, serving as head of the House Republican Conference from 2011-2013.

Hensarling has kept a low profile amid the leadership shakeup. He put out a statement Wednesday morning saying many had told him to pursue a leadership spot, but just that he was “prayerfully considering the best way I can serve.”

As Republicans filed in to a closed-door meeting that evening, Hensarling made a quiet entrance, avoiding reporters at the same time Rep. Pete Sessions (R-Texas) was making his case for majority leader to the cameras.

House Republicans are set to vote on a new leadership team on June 19. Reps. Steve Scalise (R-La.) and Peter Roskam (R-Ill.) are competing to replace McCarthy as majority whip.