House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) urged Rep. Trey Gowdy (R-SC), the leader of the House’s special investigation into the Benghazi attacks, to run for majority leader in a secret meeting on Tuesday, Politico reported on Wednesday.
Numerous House members, including House Oversight Committee Chair Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) encouraged Gowdy to run for the No. 2 leadership spot this week. Boehner reached out to Gowdy after hearing that he was considering a bid, according to Politico.
Despite calls for him to jump into the race, a spokesman for Gowdy on Tuesday brushed off questions about Gowdy’s intentions.
“Chairman Gowdy is focused on the Benghazi Committee and will serve in that capacity so long as the Committee exists,” the spokeswoman said. “He appreciates the confidence of his colleagues and looks forward to tonight’s Conference discussion.”
And Rep. Mick Mulvaney (R-SC) said that Gowdy indicated he would not run for majority leader.
After talking w’ @TGowdySC for 20 mins, he made it clear that he is OUT of any consideration for any leadership position.
— Rep. Mick Mulvaney (@RepMickMulvaney) September 29, 2015
It makes complete sense to me that @TGowdySC has decided to stay and continue his work on #Benghazi
— Rep. Mick Mulvaney (@RepMickMulvaney) September 29, 2015
On Wednesday morning, Rep. John Fleming (R-LA) said on C-SPAN that Gowdy plans to retire to South Carolina in 2016. However, when asked by The Hill if Gowdy has plans to retire, Amanda Duvall, a spokeswoman for the congressman said, “No, he is not announcing anything regarding 2016.”
