Cornyn takes himself out of contention for FBI job

U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Photo: Joe Raedle, Staff Photo: Joe Raedle, Staff Image 1 of / 36 Caption Close Cornyn takes himself out of contention for FBI job 1 / 36 Back to Gallery

WASHINGTON – Texas U.S. Sen. John Cornyn took himself out of contention Tuesday as a possible replacement for FBI Director James Comey, who was fired by President Donald Trump last week.

Cornyn's decision came three days after he interviewed for the job with Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Story continues below





"Now more than ever the country needs a well-credentialed, independent FBI Director," Cornyn said in a statement. "I've informed the Administration that I'm committed to helping them find such an individual, and that the best way I can serve is continuing to fight for a conservative agenda in the U.S. Senate."

If Cornyn had gotten the top position at the FBI, it would have opened a U.S. Senate seat in Texas and Gov. Greg Abbott would have been in line to appoint someone to fill it until a special election.

Scroll through the gallery above to see key moments that led to the dismissal of former FBI Director James Comey