Two members of the House Freedom CaucusâReps. Andy Harris of Maryland and Trent Franks of Arizonaâare considering whether or not to jump into the race to become the next chairman of the Republican Study Committee.
The challengers would go head-to-head with Rep. Mark Walker, R-N.C., who announced his candidacy for the position Tuesday.
A Harris aide first confirmed with The Daily Signal that Harris is testing the waters. âJust spoke to my boss,â the aide said, âand he is seriously considering a run for RSC chair.â
The Maryland doctor already has at least one supporter, Rep. Alex Mooney, R-W.Va., who told The Daily Signal that heâd âabsolutely fight for Harris,â who he considers âmy good friend.â Â Â But he could have to compete for the Freedom Caucus votes: Franks is also mulling a campaign.
At the Freedom Caucusâ weekly, closed-door meeting in a dining room at House of Hunan, a local Washington, D.C., restaurant, Franks announced he was building support for a bid.
âHe was suggesting himself [for RSC chair],â a member of the Freedom Caucus and Republican Study Committee told The Daily Signal, âand heâd be absolutely fabulous.â
Though that election wonât occur until Nov. 17, RSC founders plan to meet with each interested candidate next week to offer their blessing.
But the Freedom Caucus member backing Franks said, âitâs not too lateâ for Franks to jump in the race. The current RSC Chairman Rep. Bill Flores, R-Texas, the source noted, didnât declare his candidacy until well after Labor Day in 2014.
Frankâs office confirmed that the Arizona representative was actively exploring making a run for leadership of the Republican Study Committee.
While the Freedom Caucus and Republican Study Committee often adopt different tactics, they share numerous members and the race for RSC chair could impact their alliance moving forward.
Some members of the Freedom Caucus are planning to leave the RSC. That could change if a Freedom Caucus member made a run for chairman, said Rep. Mick Mulvaney, R-S.C.
âIf one of our members run for RSC, it might influence certain peopleâs decision,â Mulvaney told reporters. âItâs not going to influence mine.â