Hensarling not ruling out leadership run

House Financial Services Committee Chairman Jeb Hensarling (R-Texas) is not ruling out a run to replace House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.).

The conservative stalwart praised Cantor in a statement Wednesday, and said that several have pushed him to take on a role in GOP leadership.

{mosads}“I am humbled by the many people who have approached me about serving our Republican Conference in a different capacity in the future,” he said. “There are many ways to advance the causes of freedom and free enterprise, and I am prayerfully considering the best way I can serve in those efforts.”

Hensarling has helmed the powerful banking panel since 2013, and previously put in a stint in House leadership as head of the Republican Policy Conference.

Hensarling has long held sway with conservative lawmakers, and some have pushed for him to take on a larger role in the party. But for the time being, he is keeping his cards close to the vest, while offering kind words for Cantor in the wake of his stunning primary loss.

“Eric Cantor is a friend and ally on many fronts,” he said. “He was, is, and will continue to be a good leader and servant for his district and our nation, and I am grateful for his service.”

If Hensarling were to jump to a leadership role, it would leave open a seat on a powerful committee that is a fundraising juggernaut. A number of subcommittee chairmen could jockey for the top spot, including Rep. Ed Royce (R-Calif.), who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Committee but previously challenged for the top spot that went to Chairman Spencer Bachus (R-Ala.). Other high-ranking panel members that could be in the running including Reps. Scott Garrett (R-N.J.), Randy Neugebauer (R-Texas) and Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.).