In a surprising turn of events, GOP Rep. Mark Green, the current chair of the House Homeland Security Committee, has decided to run for reelection, reversing his earlier decision to retire, as per a GOP source close to the Tennessee Republican.
The sudden change of heart comes after Green received encouragement from several Republicans, including former President Donald Trump, to remain in Congress. Axios was the first to break the news of Green’s decision.
Earlier in the day, Trump took to social media to laud Green, promising to endorse the congressman if he chose to run for reelection. “Mark Green has had numerous opportunities due to his political prowess, and his commendable performance as a Congressman. Given his exceptional work as Chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, I hope he runs for Re-Election to the U.S. House of Representatives. If he does, he has my Complete and Total Endorsement!” Trump posted on Truth Social.
On February 14, Green had announced his decision not to run for reelection, stating that he had achieved his goals in Congress. He highlighted the House’s vote to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, an initiative he led from his committee, and the passing of H.R. 2, a comprehensive GOP border security bill. However, neither of these are likely to progress in the Democratic-controlled Senate.
“I feel like there are other battles for me to fight,” Green told CNN shortly after his initial announcement. At the time, CNN reported that Green had shown interest in running for the governorship of Tennessee, according to multiple sources.
Green’s reversal comes amidst a wave of retirement announcements from several House GOP committee chairs. Patrick McHenry of North Carolina, Financial Services Chairman, Kay Granger of Texas, Appropriations Chairwoman, and Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Energy and Commerce Chairwoman, have all announced they will not seek reelection.
This report has been updated with additional information. Reporters Annie Grayer, Morgan Rimmer, and Kate Sullivan contributed to this report.