Rep. Mike Pence (R., Ind.) has today announced his decision to step down as leader of the House Republican Conference. A letter sent to his colleagues sends strong suggestions that Pence is pondering a presidential run.
After two consecutive losses for our party, the Republican Leader asked me to help lead House Republicans back to the majority, and I felt it was my duty to do so. I have always believed people should keep their promises and complete the assignments they have been given. As you recall, that’s why I declined offers to run for the U.S. Senate in the middle of my term as Chairman.
Now that we have restored a Republican majority to the House of Representatives and I have fulfilled my commitment to the Republican Conference, my family and I have begun to look to the future.
As we consider new opportunities to serve Indiana and our nation in the years ahead, I have come to realize that it may not be possible to complete an entire term as Conference Chairman. As such, I think it would be more appropriate for me to step aside now, especially since there are other talented men and women in our Conference who could do the job just as well or better.
I do not know what the future holds for my little family, but I do know who holds the future. So for now, we will continue our duties serving the people of Indiana and do what we have always done in such times; we will wait on the Lord and follow where He leads. We certainly welcome your prayers and your counsel in the days ahead.
Pence’s announcement coincides with those of several House Republicans standing for leadership positions, including: Rep. Eric Cantor (Va.) for majority leader, Rep. Kevin McCarthy (Calif.) for majority whip, Rep. Tom Price (Ga.) for Policy Committee chair, and Rep. Jeb Hensarling (Texas) to replace Pence as conference chair.