Two House Republicans are in the running to be the next chairman of the Republican Study Committee, a caucus of 178 Republican lawmakers in the House of Representatives. Members of the RSC are voting for their next chairman today.
Reps. Andy Harris of Maryland and Mark Walker of North Carolina are the two candidates running to replace current RSC Chairman Bill Flores of Texas. Here’s some information about each of the candidates.
Rep. Andy Harris
Before being elected to Congress, Harris was an anesthesiologist who specialized in childbirth medicine. He received his medical degree from Johns Hopkins University.
>>> Rep. Andy Harris in Chairman Race to Restore Conservative Vision of RSC
Harris also served in the Navy Medical Corps as well as the U.S. Naval Reserve during Operation Desert Storm.
During the Republican primaries, Harris backed Ben Carson for president, becoming the first member of Congress to endorse the former neurosurgeon, according to The Washington Post.
Harris served in the Democrat-controlled legislature in Maryland before representing his constituents in Maryland’s 1st District since 2011.
Harris ran in the 2014 race for RSC chairman, but withdrew when his wife died.
In announcing his run for RSC chair this year, Harris said in a statement that he desires to continue Flores’, the current chairman, “efforts to begin to re-steer the RSC back toward its conservative roots.”
Harris said he also believes the RSC should be a leader in promoting conservative ideas.
“[The] RSC should be the policy leader on our conservative principles of reducing our debt and deficit, lowering our taxes, re-establishing America’s power and pre-eminence in the global arena, and restoring and preserving social conservative values,” Harris said.
Harris has been endorsed by the founders of the RSC, according to a press release from his office.
“I am humbled by the endorsement of the RSC founders,” Harris said in a statement. “I believe they share my vision of re-energizing the RSC and enhancing its position as an effective voice for conservatives in the House.”
Rep. Mark Walker
Walker received his bachelor’s degree in biblical studies from Piedmont Baptist College, now known as Piedmont International University, and served as a minister before being elected to Congress.
He said his ministerial experience would make him well suited for congressional leadership in a September letter announcing his candidacy for the chairman position.
“Serving almost two decades in vocational ministry is surprisingly applicable training for Congress,” Walker wrote. “As a minister, one must learn to navigate waters in a constantly changing environment and stay focused on higher objectives, knowing you may not always please every individual.”
Walker said that his years as a minister “of listening and working to bridge factions around a shared interest is invaluable experience.”
>>> Mark Walker Announces Bid for RSC Chairman
“With this recognition and desire to serve, I humbly ask for your support to be the next chairman of the Republican Study Committee,” Walker wrote.
Walker said he believes the RSC should seek to do more than just accept the status quo in making decisions among House conservatives.
Rather, Walker wrote that the RSC should “build consensus around conservative ideas that move our cause forward.”
The Daily Signal will report on the winner of the RSC race later today.