Hensarling backs Boehner for Speaker

Rep. Jeb Hensarling previously said he wants to remain Financial Services Committee chairman in the next Congress and that his wife, Melissa, would be a more likely candidate for Speaker of the House. But just in case there was any doubt, the Texas Republican put out a statement Wednesday saying he will not challenge John Boehner for the top GOP leadership job. 

{mosads}“Jeb Hensarling looks forward to continuing his service in the 114th Congress as House Financial Services Committee chairman,” said Andrew Duke, Hensarling’s chief of staff. “He will support the Speaker candidate who receives the support of the Republican Conference — and he fully expects that person will be John Boehner.” 

Politico first reported the statement, though his office has said for months that he wasn’t interested in the job. 

“He anticipates, and hopes, that he will have the opportunity to remain chairman of the House Financial Services Committee next Congress,” his spokeswoman told The Hill in September. 

Hensarling, former chairman of the Republican Study Committee, had been encouraged by conservative colleagues to run for a leadership job. 

But Hensarling passed on an opportunity this summer to challenge Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) for the majority leader slot after Eric Cantor was ousted in his primary. And since then, the Texan hasn’t lobbied GOP colleagues to back him for a run for the Speakership.  

Boehner is almost assured of winning a third term as Speaker when House Republicans return to the Capitol next week following their Election Day romp over Democrats. Republicans surpassed their midterm targets, growing their majority to a level not seen in decades.