Rep. Lisa McClain, R-Mich., has officially announced her candidacy to lead the Republican conference in the next congress. This decision comes after the current chair, Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., was nominated for a top Trump administration role as ambassador to the United Nations.
In her statement, McClain expressed her belief that the modern Republican Party embodies the values of her home state of Michigan and has been instrumental in securing Republican victories in the White House, Senate, and House majority. She emphasized her personal journey from working on a horse farm to building a successful company with billions of assets under management as a testament to the American dream.
McClain highlighted her commitment to effectively communicating President Trump's 'America First' agenda to the American people and stated her intention to continue the successes achieved by Chairwoman Stefanik. The role of the conference chair, as the fourth-ranking position in the House, involves overseeing conference meetings and day-to-day operations for Republican members.
With Stefanik's impending departure for the Trump administration, the race for the chair position is now open. Alongside McClain, Rep. Kat Cammack, R-Fla., and Rep. Erin Houchin, R-Ind., are reportedly running for the position.
In a letter addressed to her colleagues, McClain outlined her qualifications for the role, citing her ability to effectively communicate Republican policies and defend the Conference against anticipated attacks. She also emphasized her experience in winning tough races in a blue state, highlighting her success in delivering Macomb County, a crucial political battleground, by appealing to a diverse coalition of voters.
As the competition for the House Republican Conference chair heats up, McClain's candidacy brings a fresh perspective and a focus on continuing the momentum of the Republican Party in the upcoming term.