UPDATED VOTE TALLY: U.S. House Republicans Elect Elise Stefanik Conference Chair

Elise Stefanik
Chip Roy

The Friday morning secret balloting is over, and according to initial media reports, in a 134-46 vote, Stefanik claims the number 3 post in the House Republican hierarchy

Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R, NY-21) easily defeated Congressman Chip Roy’s (R, TX-21) last minute challenge to claim the House Republican Chair vacated when Congresswoman Liz Cheney (R, WY-At Large) was ousted by voice vote Wednesday.

Given the vote tally of 134-46 with 9 voting present and 3 voting for others, nearly 30 House Republicans did not participate in the voting, either through absence or simply not casting a paper ballot.

Stefanik, the 36-year old 4-term congresswoman from upstate New York, is the first Millennial to ascend to the number 3 post of either party’s leadership hierarchy in the U.S. House.

As Republicans are poised to flip the House next year, Stefanik campaigned on the promise she would only serve in House Republican leadership during the 117th Congress, which removes concerns she will try to move up in the party hierarchy in the event of a Republican House majority in the 118th Congress.

The last minute challenge by Roy included campaigning based on a comparison piece he released yesterday highlighting their respective records and ratings by conservative groups:

Source: Chip Roy Twitter Page

Former President Donald Trump, in his de facto role as the leader of the Republican Party, would have none of the policy/ideological points raised by Roy over his preferred choice in Stefanik, sending out a blistering message yesterday against Roy in a press release:

“Can’t imagine Republican House Members would go with Chip Roy—he has not done a great job, and will probably be successfully primaried in his own district.

“I support Elise, by far, over Chip!”

Former President Donald Trump press release 5/13/21

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From the desk of John Lopez: Given Roy was chief-of-staff to Senator Ted Cruz (R, TX) before his election to Congress in 2018, one must wonder if Trump’s prediction of a successful primary challenge against Roy next year had more to do with Cruz than Trump’s preference for Stefanik.

Some of the Twitter traffic I saw yesterday had supporters of Stefanik, while acknowledging her moderate voting record during her 4 terms in the House, believed Stefanik was more effective than Roy helping other Republicans, particularly women through her Elevate PAC, win election to the House.

Which brings up an interesting question: If you were a member of the House Republican caucus having to decide between Stefanik and Roy, who would earn your secret ballot vote?

Please, let us know in comments.


Comments

UPDATED VOTE TALLY: U.S. House Republicans Elect Elise Stefanik Conference Chair — 4 Comments

  1. It would be a secret ……………..if it’s a “secret ballot.” …………….DUH!

  2. He’s not confused — he’s asking a hypothetical question.

    Anybody who voted on a secret ballot can still say who they voted for; there is no prohibition on that as far as I know.

    Trump said who he thinks people should support.

    But given that the average mouthbreather on this blog wouldn’t know a Chip Roy from a Chips Ahoy, John was probably expecting too much…

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