Rep. Greg Steube (R-FL) is considering entering the race for House Republican Conference chair, seeking the third-ranking position in GOP leadership as Republicans prepare to reorganize following their loss of the House majority. Steube’s potential candidacy sets up a three-way contest with current Conference Chair Lisa McClain (R-MI) and Rep. Erin Houchin (R-IN), who announced her challenge to McClain earlier this week.

Steube signaled his interest in the leadership position Thursday, criticizing the current Republican leadership and arguing that the party needs stronger conservative representation. In a statement, he said he was frustrated with leaders who had failed to deliver on basic campaign promises and indicated he would consider running if conservative members lacked meaningful options.

“I’m tired of WEAK leadership that can’t deliver on basic common sense promises. If we don’t have real conservative options to choose from to lead our conference, I will absolutely consider running for leadership!” Steube said.

The Florida congressman has been increasingly vocal in his criticism of Republican leadership following Tuesday’s midterm losses. On Wednesday, he called on Republican leaders in both chambers to step aside, accusing them of failing to govern conservatively and ignoring voters who elected them to advance the party’s agenda.

Steube argued that Republican leaders had repeatedly compromised with moderates rather than delivering on conservative priorities. He also questioned why lawmakers responsible for the party’s recent performance should remain in leadership positions rather than make room for new leadership.

The Conference chair position is currently held by McClain, who has led House Republicans’ messaging and communications efforts since 2025. She is seeking another term and has already secured support from dozens of Republican lawmakers. Houchin, who currently serves as House Republican Conference secretary, launched her challenge Wednesday, arguing that Republicans need to improve how they communicate their agenda to voters.

Houchin has pointed to her background in public relations, communications and political campaigns as qualifications for the position. Her campaign focuses on restructuring the conference’s messaging operation after Republicans suffered significant losses in the midterm elections.

Steube’s possible entry would add another candidate advocating a change in direction, although his criticism has focused more broadly on what he considers a failure of conservative leadership. The contest will determine who oversees the Republican conference’s messaging and helps coordinate its political strategy while the party operates in the House minority.

The conference chair race is part of a broader leadership shake-up following Speaker Mike Johnson’s decision not to seek the top Republican leadership position in the next Congress. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) and Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH) are competing to lead House Republicans, while Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX) is challenging current Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-MN).

Republicans are scheduled to hold their leadership elections behind closed doors next Tuesday. The results will determine the party’s leadership team as Democrats prepare to take control of the House in January and begin pursuing investigations into the Trump administration.