Jul 10, 2024 - Politics & Policy

Turmoil in House Freedom Caucus has members questioning its future

Juliegrace Brufke

Caucus Chairman Rep. Bob Good (R-VA) speaks as Rep. Warren Davidson (R-OH) (R) and Rep. Barry Moore (R-AL) (L) listen during a news conference at the U.S. Capitol on February 13, 2024 in Washington, DC. The House Freedom Caucus held a news conference on the reauthorization of the Foreign Intelligen — Rep. Bob Good (R-VA) speaks as Rep. Warren Davidson (R-OH) and Rep. Barry Moore (R-AL) listen during a news conference at the U.S. Capitol on Feb. 13, 2024. Photo: Alex Wong/Getty Images

Strife within the House Freedom Caucus is sparking some members to consider leaving the powerful conservative group after the recent ouster of Rep. Warren Davidson (R-Ohio), multiple senior GOP sources told Axios.

Why it matters: The decision to boot Davidson — an early member of the caucus — over his decision to back Chairman Bob Good's primary opponent has some questioning the group's future as feuds between members spill into the public eye.

Davidson's critics say his decision to come out against Good — who is calling for a recount in the primary that was recently certified in favor of Trump-backed state Sen. John McGuire — violated rules against publicly attacking a fellow member.

But Davidson's defenders have taken issues with Good's leadership of the group.

Rep. Troy Nehls (R-Texas) left the group after Davidson's ouster, and former Chair Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) came to the Ohio Republican's defense.
"There are several members contemplating leaving," one member who requested anonymity told Axios on Tuesday.

Behind the scenes: Davidson and Good have long had a frosty relationship, and Good called and whipped for Davidson's ouster.

Two GOP lawmakers said multiple Davidson supporters were not present for the vote.
One GOP lawmaker who considered leaving, but ultimately decided against it in hopes a new chair will emerge, said Davidson accused Good of "tearing down Jim Jordan to build himself up and that's why Davidson had a problem with him."
"Tump's close to a lot of the House Freedom Caucus, he had a former chairman as his chief of staff —I think he knows he can trust this and so hopefully we'll get get us a good leader and get things going if Bob's gone," a third member added.

Two sources confirmed Good told members if he does not succeed in his primary election recount that he will step down as chair of the group.

The big picture: The fractures within the HFC have had some questioning what direction the group will take and what influence it will have if Trump wins in November.

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) — who was ousted from the group last year — accused the HFC of being "Never Trump" following Davidson's removal, tweeting: "Back stabbing Bob Good and the Never Trump freedom caucus members are the problem. They have destroyed freedom caucus and have made it ineffective."
But others are hopeful Trump will look continue to look to the group for guidance.
Good and Davidson did not immediately respond to request for comment.

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Turmoil in House Freedom Caucus has members questioning its future

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