House Freedom Caucus plans new leadership amid intensifying internal feuds
The ultra-conservative group, facing numerous internal conflicts and the probable loss of Chair Bob Good, is actively considering the necessity of appointing a new leader.
TroibNews 
The influential House Freedom Caucus is grappling with a deepening identity crisis, one that might soon redefine its alignment with former President Donald Trump.
The fractures are primarily between the old guard, who are aligned with the Tea Party and focused on conservative principles, and the newer, more populist MAGA-friendly faction. While this debate has lingered within the traditionally private group for some time, its conflicts are becoming increasingly public.
Over the past year, members have had multiple public disputes, including personal conflicts related to the likely primary defeat of Freedom Caucus Chair Bob Good (R-Va.). Additionally, there has been persistent tension over actions such as votes to expel members, the ouster of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, spending disagreements, and aggressive floor tactics.
Six Freedom Caucus members have indicated to POLITICO the necessity for new leadership soon, especially as they prepare for upcoming spending battles and a potential Trump administration next year. Nevertheless, this discussion has also led to divisions within the caucus, with members advocating for leadership that aligns with their differing visions for the group's future.
“There'll be a number of people that would consider it,” Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) said about the race to succeed Good. Acknowledging the internal friction, he added, “Have there been disagreements? Yes. Will there be disagreements in the future? Yes, but I don't look at that as a bad thing.”
Good faces a recount in his primary on Thursday, a race he officially lost by about 400 votes following Trump's endorsement of his opponent. Should the recount confirm his defeat, Good has told POLITICO he would resign immediately as chair. This would be the first time the group has encountered a leadership vacancy during a presidential election year and the first time its chair has been ousted in a primary.
The group is expected to use the six-week summer break to strategize, according to three members. A formal decision about new leadership is unlikely until the House reconvenes in early September, which will be their first opportunity to meet in person since Thursday's recount.
Some members have considered allowing a former chair, like Reps. Scott Perry (R-Pa.) or Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), to temporarily fill the role until next year. While this would provide more time to select a long-term replacement, some argue this strategy isn't consistent with the Freedom Caucus' bylaws, navigating largely uncharted territory.
Another option is for the Freedom Caucus board to recommend a new chair by September, likely appointing someone for the remainder of Good's term, which lasts until the end of next year. However, the split over potential candidates is significant, especially with the possibility of a second Trump term on the horizon.
Notable names frequently mentioned include Reps. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.), Chip Roy (R-Texas), and Andy Harris (R-Md.).
Some members aim to align the group more closely with Trump, especially following the awkward situation when Trump endorsed Good’s primary opponent, John McGuire. They hope that a second Trump administration could help unify the Freedom Caucus, which has been a challenge for Republican leadership this term, not due to their unity but because of the GOP's slim majority.
“I think under a Trump administration, especially with so many of us being close to Trump, that gives us a great opportunity to further shape policy,” Ogles said in an interview, expressing interest in serving as the next chair.
Ogles, who serves on the group’s board, told POLITICO he reached out to each caucus member amid ongoing issues between Good and Rep. Warren Davidson (R-Ohio), which ultimately led to Davidson’s ouster. Ogles stated that he “checked with them, made sure they are OK, what concerns do they have,” as they continue to build and stay united as a team moving forward.
This outreach has fueled speculation that Ogles is aiming for the top HFC position. However, he faces a challenging primary, and there’s skepticism among some Freedom Caucus members about appointing someone who is currently in their first term.
Roy’s name is also frequently mentioned as a top candidate, but his potential candidacy could raise concerns among members who are more inclined towards Trump. Roy has clashed with Trump — voting to certify the 2020 election and initially endorsing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for president.
Two Freedom Caucus members, speaking anonymously, suggested that Roy's support for DeSantis is a valid consideration when evaluating his potential as the next chair. Supporters of Roy have questioned if he genuinely wants the position, noting he fits well in his current role as policy director.
“That’s not something I’m going to talk about. What we’re going to figure out is what’s best going forward. We’re all committed to the mission,” Roy said when asked about running for chair.
Harris is another potential successor to Good. He aligns more closely with the fiscal hawks in the Tea Party wing of the group and had shown interest in the top spot in 2023 before Good was elected.
There has been a growing divide over the group's fiscal strategy, with some believing they overplayed their hand in the government's funding battles this Congress. Next year, should Trump win the White House, the leadership will play a crucial role in determining how much the group embraces Trump's policies, particularly if he advocates for increased spending.
Good's tenure has highlighted the group's strained relationship with Trump. When members attended Trump’s trial in New York earlier this year, they avoided discussing it publicly, fearing backlash from Trump and his supporters if the House voting schedule forced them to withdraw.
Concerns about the group's future also extend to election campaigns. Republicans have privately expressed worries that the group's fundraising efforts have been lagging, reducing their ability to support vulnerable incumbents.
Furthermore, internal feuds over membership have led to the ouster of at least three members in the past two years, including Retired Rep. Ken Buck (R-Colo.), Rep. Randy Weber (R-Texas), and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.). Greene’s removal occurred during Perry’s chairmanship.
Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), a co-founder of the group, has expressed a desire for Davidson, a close ally, to return to the Freedom Caucus. The 16-13 vote to expel him in July caused significant tension among members, with some alleging that Good's allies forced a vote when some of Davidson's supporters were missing and had manipulated the group’s rules.
“My concern is that I don’t think we should be kicking people out. I’ve been clear about that,” Jordan said in an interview.
Davidson didn't dismiss the possibility of rejoining the Freedom Caucus but commented, “It’s tough to be in a group where half the people don’t really want you.”
Thomas Evans contributed to this report for TROIB News
The fractures are primarily between the old guard, who are aligned with the Tea Party and focused on conservative principles, and the newer, more populist MAGA-friendly faction. While this debate has lingered within the traditionally private group for some time, its conflicts are becoming increasingly public.
Over the past year, members have had multiple public disputes, including personal conflicts related to the likely primary defeat of Freedom Caucus Chair Bob Good (R-Va.). Additionally, there has been persistent tension over actions such as votes to expel members, the ouster of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, spending disagreements, and aggressive floor tactics.
Six Freedom Caucus members have indicated to POLITICO the necessity for new leadership soon, especially as they prepare for upcoming spending battles and a potential Trump administration next year. Nevertheless, this discussion has also led to divisions within the caucus, with members advocating for leadership that aligns with their differing visions for the group's future.
“There'll be a number of people that would consider it,” Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.) said about the race to succeed Good. Acknowledging the internal friction, he added, “Have there been disagreements? Yes. Will there be disagreements in the future? Yes, but I don't look at that as a bad thing.”
Good faces a recount in his primary on Thursday, a race he officially lost by about 400 votes following Trump's endorsement of his opponent. Should the recount confirm his defeat, Good has told POLITICO he would resign immediately as chair. This would be the first time the group has encountered a leadership vacancy during a presidential election year and the first time its chair has been ousted in a primary.
The group is expected to use the six-week summer break to strategize, according to three members. A formal decision about new leadership is unlikely until the House reconvenes in early September, which will be their first opportunity to meet in person since Thursday's recount.
Some members have considered allowing a former chair, like Reps. Scott Perry (R-Pa.) or Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), to temporarily fill the role until next year. While this would provide more time to select a long-term replacement, some argue this strategy isn't consistent with the Freedom Caucus' bylaws, navigating largely uncharted territory.
Another option is for the Freedom Caucus board to recommend a new chair by September, likely appointing someone for the remainder of Good's term, which lasts until the end of next year. However, the split over potential candidates is significant, especially with the possibility of a second Trump term on the horizon.
Notable names frequently mentioned include Reps. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.), Chip Roy (R-Texas), and Andy Harris (R-Md.).
Some members aim to align the group more closely with Trump, especially following the awkward situation when Trump endorsed Good’s primary opponent, John McGuire. They hope that a second Trump administration could help unify the Freedom Caucus, which has been a challenge for Republican leadership this term, not due to their unity but because of the GOP's slim majority.
“I think under a Trump administration, especially with so many of us being close to Trump, that gives us a great opportunity to further shape policy,” Ogles said in an interview, expressing interest in serving as the next chair.
Ogles, who serves on the group’s board, told POLITICO he reached out to each caucus member amid ongoing issues between Good and Rep. Warren Davidson (R-Ohio), which ultimately led to Davidson’s ouster. Ogles stated that he “checked with them, made sure they are OK, what concerns do they have,” as they continue to build and stay united as a team moving forward.
This outreach has fueled speculation that Ogles is aiming for the top HFC position. However, he faces a challenging primary, and there’s skepticism among some Freedom Caucus members about appointing someone who is currently in their first term.
Roy’s name is also frequently mentioned as a top candidate, but his potential candidacy could raise concerns among members who are more inclined towards Trump. Roy has clashed with Trump — voting to certify the 2020 election and initially endorsing Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for president.
Two Freedom Caucus members, speaking anonymously, suggested that Roy's support for DeSantis is a valid consideration when evaluating his potential as the next chair. Supporters of Roy have questioned if he genuinely wants the position, noting he fits well in his current role as policy director.
“That’s not something I’m going to talk about. What we’re going to figure out is what’s best going forward. We’re all committed to the mission,” Roy said when asked about running for chair.
Harris is another potential successor to Good. He aligns more closely with the fiscal hawks in the Tea Party wing of the group and had shown interest in the top spot in 2023 before Good was elected.
There has been a growing divide over the group's fiscal strategy, with some believing they overplayed their hand in the government's funding battles this Congress. Next year, should Trump win the White House, the leadership will play a crucial role in determining how much the group embraces Trump's policies, particularly if he advocates for increased spending.
Good's tenure has highlighted the group's strained relationship with Trump. When members attended Trump’s trial in New York earlier this year, they avoided discussing it publicly, fearing backlash from Trump and his supporters if the House voting schedule forced them to withdraw.
Concerns about the group's future also extend to election campaigns. Republicans have privately expressed worries that the group's fundraising efforts have been lagging, reducing their ability to support vulnerable incumbents.
Furthermore, internal feuds over membership have led to the ouster of at least three members in the past two years, including Retired Rep. Ken Buck (R-Colo.), Rep. Randy Weber (R-Texas), and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.). Greene’s removal occurred during Perry’s chairmanship.
Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), a co-founder of the group, has expressed a desire for Davidson, a close ally, to return to the Freedom Caucus. The 16-13 vote to expel him in July caused significant tension among members, with some alleging that Good's allies forced a vote when some of Davidson's supporters were missing and had manipulated the group’s rules.
“My concern is that I don’t think we should be kicking people out. I’ve been clear about that,” Jordan said in an interview.
Davidson didn't dismiss the possibility of rejoining the Freedom Caucus but commented, “It’s tough to be in a group where half the people don’t really want you.”
Thomas Evans contributed to this report for TROIB News
