U.S. Rep Gary Palmer (R-Hoover) may face opposition for the first time in two terms, as several Republican congressmen are rumored to be coming for his spot as the House Republican Policy chairman.
According to Politico, U.S. Reps. Kevin Hern (R-Okla.) and Andrew Garbarino (R-N.Y.) will challenge Palmer’s seat as the House GOP policy chair. The chairman leads the House Policy Committee, responsible for formulating the GOP’s legislative priorities and goals for House Republicans. Palmer has held the seat for three consecutive terms.
Palmer has served in Congress since 2014. He initially stated that he would limit himself to five terms in Congress. However, after announcing his bid for a sixth in 2023, Palmer faced significant criticism from his GOP opponents and others.
“I did say that I would only serve five terms. I understand how people are going to respond to that. I own that. … I really struggled with the decision to run again, but I believe it's what I'm supposed to do," Palmer told 1819 News in March 2023.
He cited his position as the policy chair, his seats on the Republican Steering Committee, the House Oversight and Accountability Committee and the House Committee on Energy and Commerce as reasons for seeking a term beyond his self-made pledge.
“There are other people that asked me to run again,” Palmer said during a Republican debate in January 2023. “As I pointed out, I think we're in a critical point in our country. I really did struggle with this going back. I felt like the job is not done. President Trump, I'm working with him on some things and it is my hope and prayer that he gets elected, that we get the majority in the House and Senate. I think that we've got about a two-year window to really make some change. Again, I'm a person of deep faith. It's really challenged my decision on this. I really believe that God wanted me to do this.”
Palmer did not immediately respond to 1819 News' requests for comment. However, he did tell Politico that the chair position should be about results, not personalities.
“I think I've done a good job. I'm all about the policy. I think that's what the policy committee chairman should be about,” Palmer told Politico. “It's fair for them to have a choice, but I think they need to understand that this is not about personalities. It's about deliverables.”
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
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