The House Freedom Caucus, a group of ultra-conservative lawmakers, is on the hunt for a new leader after their current chairman, Rep. Bob Good, R-Va., lost his primary race in June and a subsequent recount.
Multiple sources, speaking anonymously to Fox News Digital, indicated that Good is expected to step aside from his role as chairman. This move puts the Freedom Caucus in uncharted territory, as a chairman has never stepped down before the end of a term, and a sitting chair has never lost re-election.
Discussions are already underway about who will take the helm for the remainder of Good’s term. Two sources familiar with the discussions said they expect a former Freedom Caucus chair, either Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., or Scott Perry, R-Pa., to step in.
One Freedom Caucus member told Fox News Digital, “I am going to push for Andy Biggs to take over during the remainder of Bob’s term. He supported Trump, and he knows how to be the chair already.”
However, both sources emphasized that discussions were leaning slightly toward Biggs. Both Biggs and Perry declined to comment when reached by Fox News Digital.
Another potential candidate for the role is Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, the group’s policy chair. However, Roy has not publicly expressed interest in the position.
Freshman Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., has also shown interest in the role, according to another source. It’s unclear whether he would be interested in serving out the remainder of the year as a temporary replacement or running in the group’s closed-door election for a new term at the end of the year. Ogles’ office did not respond to a request for comment.
Politico reported last week that Perry and Biggs were both in consideration to finish out Good’s term. Both have a significantly better relationship with former President Trump than Good does, a divide that contributed to Good’s political downfall.
Trump backed Good’s primary rival, John McGuire, and actively spoke out against Good’s re-election. Good had initially endorsed Trump’s primary rival, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, before switching to Trump when DeSantis dropped out of the race.
Good’s office did not respond to Fox News Digital regarding whether he would follow through on stepping aside. A Freedom Caucus spokesperson told Fox News Digital, “HFC does not comment on membership or internal processes.”
Good’s tenure as chairman has been tumultuous, and several members left the group this year. Most recently, Rep. Warren Davidson, R-Ohio, who opposed Good’s chairmanship, was voted out of the Freedom Caucus shortly after he endorsed McGuire in the primary. Rep. Troy Nehls, R-Texas, resigned in protest of Davidson’s ouster on the same day.
The future of the House Freedom Caucus hangs in the balance as they navigate this leadership transition. The group’s next move will be closely watched by political observers, particularly as the 2024 election cycle approaches.
