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Stivers Not Running Again for NRCC Chairman

Stivers’ decision comes after Republicans lose House control

Rep. Steve Stivers, R-Ohio, is not seeking a second term as NRCC chairman. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call file photo)
Rep. Steve Stivers, R-Ohio, is not seeking a second term as NRCC chairman. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call file photo)

National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Steve Stivers will not seek a second term as head of House Republicans’ campaign arm. Republicans lost control of the House on Tuesday.

“I am extremely proud of the work the Members, candidates, and NRCC team have done over the last two years. It is because of their hard work that we prevented a large Democrat majority,” he said in a statement thanking the NRCC team for their “tireless efforts” this cycle.

“While I have decided to not run for another term as NRCC Chairman, I will continue working to support our shared ideas, so we can build on the successes of the last two years to provide more opportunity for the American people,” Stivers said.

Republican operatives were already weighing Stivers replacements or outright challengers if he decided to run again. One question facing Republicans is whether a GOP lawmaker with experience winning a competitive district could take the helm of the campaign committee.

Texas Rep. Roger Williams, who ran against Stivers for the NRCC post in 2016, is looking at a fresh bid.

“Rep. Williams has received numerous calls of support from his colleagues last night and this morning encouraging him to throw his hat in the ring,” his spokeswoman Hanna Allred said. “He is looking forward to returning to Washington next week to discuss what the party hopes to see in the Committee moving forward.”

Williams ran last cycle on a promise to lower membership dues and still stands by the belief that doing so will increase membership participation, Allred said.

“Unsurprisingly, there was a lack of money at the NRCC due to outrageously high member dues,” she said.

Illinois Rep. Rodney Davis, who narrowly won re-election to his 13th District, may be interested in the top job, too.

“He’s been approached by donors, colleagues, and others about seeking the position and is keeping his options open,” spokesperson Ashley Phelps said in an email Wednesday evening. 

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