Rep. Eric Cantor (R-VA), seemed to avoid mentioning Dave Brat by name in his first press conference since his historic primary defeat on Tuesday. Rep. Cantor did not mention Brat at all during his opening statement, and when he was asked about his defeat at the hands of Brat, Cantor only referred to Brat as “a different candidate.”
Cantor did state he would resign as Majority Leader effective July 31. He started by saying that his Jewish faith has taught him “each setback is an opportunity and that there’s always optimism for the future.” He added that he was “honored” to serve and still had optimism for the country. Cantor also praised his colleagues, congressional staffers, the Sgt. at Arms, and Capitol Police.
Cantor then reflected on his time in the House, pointing to the “tremendous strides” Republicans have taken on school choice, technology research, spending cuts, fighting ObamaCare, and increasing take-home pay while bringing down regulation. He also ruled out a run as a write-in candidate for his current seat, stating “I will not be on the ballot in November, but I will be a champion for conservatives.” He also urged Republicans to “put their differences aside to help elect a Republican House and Senate.”
House Majority Leader Eric Cantor announced “if my dear friend and colleague Kevin McCarthy does decide to run [for Majority Leader]…I will be backing him with my full support” in his press conference announcing his resignation as House Majority Leader after his primary defeat at the hands of Dave Brat last night.
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