Nov 16, 2021 - Politics & Policy

House Freedom Caucus elects GOP Rep. Scott Perry as next chair

Rebecca Falconer

Rep. Scott Perry joined by members of the House Freedom Caucus at an August news conference in Washington, DC. — Rep. Scott Perry is joined by other members of the House Freedom Caucus at an August news conference in Washington, D.C. Photo: Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

Rep. Scott Perry (R-Pa.) has been elected House Freedom Caucus chair, the ultra-conservative group announced Monday night.

Why it matters: The appointment of the Trump ally comes as the Freedom Caucus aims to regain the kind of power it enjoyed when Republicans held the majority by seeking to help the GOP retake the House in the 2022 midterm elections, CNN notes.

What they're saying: "For the past six years, I have stood shoulder to shoulder with the men and women of the Freedom Caucus as we have tirelessly fought to hold the line to promote liberty, safety and prosperity for Americans,'' said Perry, who's been a member of the group since it was founded in 2015, in a statement.

"I am grateful to continue to carry the torch for these champions of freedom," the Army veteran added.

Of note: Perry was named in an interim Senate report last month as allegedly being among the allies of former President Trump who took part in a campaign to pressure the Justice Department into overturning the 2020 presidential election results.

What's next: Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), the current Freedom Caucus chair, will remain in the role until Jan. 1, per the group's statement.

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House Freedom Caucus elects GOP Rep. Scott Perry as next chair

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