The House Freedom Caucus is currently in discussions regarding the potential replacement for its chairman, Rep. Bob Good, R-Va., who is expected to step aside following his loss in the primary race and subsequent recount. This situation has put the ultra-conservative group in uncharted territory, as a chairman has never stepped down before the end of a term, and a sitting chair has never lost re-election.
Two potential candidates to take over the role for the remainder of Good's term are Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., and Scott Perry, R-Pa. Sources familiar with the discussions suggest that the momentum is leaning slightly towards Biggs, with one member citing his support for Trump and experience as reasons for backing him.
Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, the group's policy chair, has also been mentioned as a possible replacement, but he has not publicly expressed interest in the role. Freshman Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., has shown interest, but it remains unclear whether he would serve out the remainder of the term or run for a new term in the group's closed-door election.
Perry and Biggs, who have stronger ties to former President Trump than Good, are being considered to finish out the remainder of Good's term. Good's relationship with Trump soured after the former president backed Good's primary rival, leading to political tensions within the group.
Good's tenure as chairman has been marked by challenges, with several members leaving the group this year. Rep. Warren Davidson, R-Ohio, who opposed Good's chairmanship, was voted out shortly after endorsing Good's primary rival. Rep. Troy Nehls, R-Texas, resigned in protest of Davidson's ouster on the same day.