AP Photo Boehner secretly urged Gowdy to run for leader The previously undisclosed meeting reveals new behind-the-scenes involvement by the exiting speaker.

Speaker John Boehner secretly met with Rep. Trey Gowdy Tuesday to encourage him to jump into the race for House majority leader, a dramatic attempt by the chamber’s top Republican to try to influence the intraparty election.

The previously undisclosed meeting reveals new behind-the-scenes involvement by Boehner, who has not endorsed any candidates in the leadership race. That the Ohio Republican inserted himself in the contest underscores his concern about who succeeds him in GOP leadership. Boehner requested the meeting after word spread that Gowdy was considering a bid for the post.


Many Republicans close to Boehner and House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy believe Gowdy could help protect the California Republican’s right flank. McCarthy allies fear hard-line conservatives could block his ascent to the speaker’s chair during the vote on the House floor, throwing the chamber into turmoil.

Boehner (R-Ohio) “has always been a fan of Trey’s and thinks he’s done a tremendous job as chairman of the Benghazi select committee and he thinks he would do the same thing if he had gotten into the leader race,” said one Boehner confidant with knowledge of the meeting.

The thinking among Boehner allies is that “Trey as leader certainly would’ve helped ease the minds, not just of the Freedom Caucus, but he had broad support in the conference.”

But Gowdy (R-S.C.) said late Tuesday that he had no interest in running for the No. 2 position in House leadership, and he would prefer to remain atop the Benghazi select committee.

Gowdy declined to comment, and Boehner’s spokesman said his office did not have a response.

Boehner’s involvement in the race underscores the broader House GOP’s unease with House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) and Rep. Tom Price (R-Ga.). The two southerners are in a competitive race for the majority leader position, but a large group of Republicans has been trying to draft another candidate into the race.

On Tuesday, friends of Gowdy – including fellow South Carolina Rep. Mick Mulvaney and Utah Rep. Jason Chaffetz – floated him for the spot.

The Gowdy trial balloon confused and consumed the Capitol Tuesday. He didn’t quash the talk until late in the day.

Boehner announced his resignation last week, effective Oct. 30. GOP leadership has not yet set a date for the party election. An announcement is expected shortly.