Greg Steube joins leadership fight, demands 'real conservative 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!" he said on Newsmax.

Published: November 5, 2026 12:37pm

Rep. Greg Steube, R-Fla., on Thursday announced his bid for the number four slot in the Republican conference, joining a battle for conference chair with Rep. Lisa McClain, R-Mich., and Rep. Erin Houcin, R-Ind.

Axios first reported on Steube's plans, but he forecast his intentions earlier this week.

"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!" he said on Newsmax.

"Our people didn't show up. And they didn't show up because they're frustrated," he added. "They're frustrated because we said we were gonna do all these things and we didn't do them."

After Republicans took losses in both chambers of Congress on Tuesday, House Speaker Mike Johnson announced he would not seek to remain GOP leader in the minority, setting off the leadership fights.

 Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent at Just the News. Follow him on X.

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