Walden is the top Republican on the House Energy and Commerce Committee and chaired the National Republican Congressional Committee during the 2014 and 2016 cycles. He is the only Republican in Oregon’s congressional delegation.

The retirement will open up the top Republican spot on the powerful Energy and Commerce Committee. Health Subcommittee ranking member Rep. Michael C. Burgess of Texas, Minority Whip Steve Scalise of Louisiana, Rep. Bob Latta of Ohio and former Republican conference chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers of Washington are the next most senior members of the panel. Illinois Rep. John Shimkus, who vied for the chairmanship against Walden before the 115th Congress, is also retiring.

Burgess is putting his name in for consideration to be the panel’s top Republican during the next Congress, said Sarah-Anne Voyles, his communications director.

“While sad to hear the news of Leader Walden’s retirement, Dr. Burgess looks forward to working with him the remainder of this Congress to accomplish the leader’s priorities,” she said in an email.

Latta’s chief of staff, Drew Griffin, told CQ Roll Call that his boss is “very interested” in succeeding Walden as the committee’s top Republican. McMorris Rodgers, the ranking member of the Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee, is also interested in running, according to a source familiar with her thinking.