Some conservatives in Congress said on Tuesday they want Rep. Trey Gowdy (R-SC), the man leading the special House investigation into the Benghazi terror attacks, to run for majority leader.
Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-UT), who helped investigate the attacks as part of the House oversight committee, told Fox News on Tuesday morning that he would love to see Gowdy run for the position.
“Trey Gowdy as majority leader would be heaven-sent,” Chaffetz said, according to Politico.
“I think one of the great things that needs to happen is bringing in Trey Gowdy,” Chaffetz told Fox. “I think that the Republican Conference needs somebody who can unite the body and represent us far and wide and articulate the message… Trey Gowdy is the best person, and having spoken to him, I actually think he’ll do it.”
Gowdy was chosen last year to lead a special House investigative committee into the Benghazi attacks. The panel discovered former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton used a private email server during her time in office, an issue Republicans have used to attack her presidential campaign.
A spokeswoman for Gowdy brushed off the calls for him to run, although she stopped short of dismissing them completely.
“Chairman Gowdy is focused on the Benghazi Committee and will serve in that capacity so long as the Committee exists,” the spokeswoman said, according to the Daily Caller. “He appreciates the confidence of his colleagues and looks forward to tonight’s Conference discussion.”
However, according to fellow South Carolina Rep. Mick Mulvaney (R), Gowdy is “OUT” of consideration for leadership.
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
Rep. Mia Love (R-UT) also voiced her support for Gowdy for majority leader on Tuesday.
Join me in drafting Trey Gowdy for Majority Leader.
— Mia Love (@MiaBLove) September 29, 2015
And Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-NY) released a statement Tuesday in support of Gowdy.
Since being sworn into Congress this past January, I have gotten to know Congressman Trey Gowdy well, and have experienced firsthand how he is an effective leader with tremendous intellect, moral character, charisma, vision and heart. The Republican Party, but more importantly, our country, would be remarkably well served with Trey as Majority Leader of the U.S. House of Representatives. Trey is a talented and incredibly bright fighter who will move our country in a better direction. If Congressman Gowdy chooses to run for leader, he has my full support.
The post became available as Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) announced his candidacy for Speaker of the House.
This comes as a handful of prominent House Republicans said Monday they will back Rep. Tom Price (R-GA) for House majority leader.
