Roger Williams won’t seek NRCC chairmanship after GOP’s big wins

WASHINGTON — Rep. Roger Williams, R-Austin, won’t challenge National Republican Committee Chairman Greg Walden’s bid for a second term, Roll Call reported Wednesday.

Rep. Roger Williams, R-Austin. (Michael Ainsworth/Staff)

A day after Republicans enjoyed sweeping election victories in Congress, Williams wrote a letter saying that “now is not the time for more political gamesmanship” — though he noted he was encouraged to consider running. Roll Call confirmed with Williams’ office that the letter means he won’t make a play for the position.

“Now is the time to work together as a team with strong Republican leadership,” Williams wrote.

Under Walden, House Republicans saw their majority expand to its largest total in more than 60 years. The GOP also seized control of the Senate.

Walden, an Oregon Republican, could still be opposed in his re-election. Rep. Aaron Schock, R-Ill., has signaled he may run.

Williams, first elected in 2012, said he looks forward to working with the NRCC and Walden going forward.

“The NRCC has to out-work, over-perform, and out-hustle our opposition this next cycle,” he wrote.

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