Powerful 'Constitutional Conservative' Won't Seek Reelection
WASHINGTON – Rep. Jeb Hensarling, R-Texas, one of the most powerful lawmakers on Capitol Hill, announced Tuesday he will not seek reelection.
"Although service in Congress remains the greatest privilege of my life, I never intended to make it a lifetime commitment,” he wrote his supporters.
Hensarling, who chairs the House Financial Services Committee and has served for 15 years, is expected to be a key player in the upcoming battle over tax reform.
My full statement on not seeking re-election in 2018: pic.twitter.com/2mkUIxtAED
— Jeb Hensarling (@RepHensarling) October 31, 2017
Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis. released a statement on Hensarling's announcement:
“He is a true constitutional conservative who understands that free enterprise is critical to a thriving America.”
Hensarling has a close relationship with Vice President Mike Pence and there’s speculation he could take a job within the Trump administration.
More than 20 Republican House members have said they will not seek re-election since January.
