Rep. Andy Harris (R-Md.) is officially the new leader of the House Freedom Caucus for at least the rest of this Congress.
The hardline conservative group tapped Harris Tuesday night to succeed former Chair Bob Good (R-Va.). Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), who was also running, dropped out at the last minute, as we first reported.
Good stepped down after losing his high-profile primary earlier this year. Former President Donald Trump backed Good’s opponent.
Harris faces a host of challenges leading the embattled group. The HFC has been plagued by fundraising woes, diminished influence and lawmakers abandoning the group due to near-constant infighting.
Harris is also a cardinal on the House Appropriations Committee, which could test how far he’ll buck leadership on funding bills to advocate for House conservatives. This was one of the concerns members raised about Harris when he was first floated as a candidate for HFC chair.
One member privately told us they think Harris will be able to unite the group more than they have been in the past year.
Harris didn’t comment on his plans or the election, saying he does not talk about internal affairs inside HFC.
