Rep. Elise Stafanik Elected By House To Replace Liz Cheney As GOP Conference Chair

After ousting never-Trump neocon Liz Cheney, House Republicans on Friday approved Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) to their #3 leadership position on Friday in a 134-46 vote.

Stefanik easily overcame an 11th hour bid by Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) for the position, while Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) – vice chair of the House GOP Conference was apparently interested in the role, but never pursued the challenge, according to the New York Post.

The New York Republican — who previously chaired the moderate Tuesday Group and saw a rise in prominence as one of Trump’s top defenders during the first impeachment proceedings — locked down key endorsements early, with former President Trump, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), Minority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) and Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) voicing their support for her candidacy.

Stefanik was nominated for the position by freshman Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa), whom she helped get elected. Roy, meanwhile, was nominated by House Freedom Caucus member Rep. Ken Buck (R-Utah). -NY Post

Cheney was voted out of her leadership position on Wednesday after months of criticizing former President Trump over what she calls “the big lie” – Trump’s claim that the 2020 election was won through cheating and that Trump actually won – despite election fraud claims having been largely tossed out of courts before evidence was ever considered by a jury.

In February, Cheney was almost ousted by her GOP colleagues after she voted to impeach Trump.

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy congratulated Stefanik on her win:

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy congratulates Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) on winning House GOP vote for Conference Chair. pic.twitter.com/a3TKzEFF7j

— The Recount (@therecount) May 14, 2021