House Majority Whip-elect Steve Scalise has tapped GOP Rep. Patrick McHenry of North Carolina to be his chief deputy whip, adding another voice from a southern state to the new House leadership team.
“It is an honor to name my colleague Congressman Patrick McHenry as chief deputy whip,” said Mr. Scalise, Louisiana Republican. “His previous role as deputy Republican whip gives him the invaluable experience, insight and judgment to help me lead the whip team and bring the conference together to grow the vote.”
Mr. McHenry, who was first elected in 2004 and sits on the Financial Services and Oversight and Government Reform committees, said he was “humbled and honored” to be asked to fill the slot.
“Steve is a strong conservative leader for our Conference and I am excited for the opportunity to be a part of his team,” Mr. McHenry said.
In last week’s leadership elections, the GOP conference tapped current Whip Kevin McCarthy of California to replace Majority Leader Eric Cantor, Virginia Republican, once Mr. Cantor steps down at the end of July following his defeat in a GOP primary earlier this month.
In the race to replace Mr. McCarthy in the House’s No. 3 slot, Mr. Scalise defeated Rep. Peter Roskam of Illinois — currently the chief deputy whip — and Rep. Marlin Stutzman of Indiana.
House Speaker John A. Boehner, Ohio Republican, lauded the addition of Mr. McHenry to his team.
“Patrick McHenry is a common-sense conservative who does a great job for the people of North Carolina, and I welcome him to the leadership team,” Mr. Boehner said.
Mr. Scalise on Thursday also announced members of his senior deputy whip team: Reps. Kristi Noem of South Dakota, Dennis Ross of Florida, Aaron Schock of Illinois, Steve Stivers of Ohio, and Ann Wagner of Missouri.
• David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.