New York Rep. Elise Stefanik is mulling a campaign for House majority leader, The Washington Times has learned.

If Ms. Stefanik wins, she would rise from chairwoman of the House Republican Conference to the No. 2 spot among the chamber’s party members.

One GOP lawmaker on Thursday embraced the idea of Ms. Stefanik ascending to the majority leader role that Louisiana Rep. Steve Scalise, who is running for speaker against Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan, now holds.

“Rep. Stefanik is an America First fighter and a respected leader who can unite our conference,” Rep. Jim Banks of Indiana posted on X. “I’d love to see her as majority leader sooner than later.”

The Times reached out to Ms. Stefanik’s spokesperson for comment but did not hear back.

If Ms. Stefanik jumps into the majority leader’s race, she could go up against Majority Whip Tom Emmer. Mr. Emmer recently announced his endorsement of Mr. Scalise for House speaker.

Lawmakers within the New York Republican delegation are divided over whom they plan to endorse for speaker, according to an inside source.

The reshuffling of GOP leadership came after eight Republican lawmakers voted with House Democrats this week to oust Rep. Kevin McCarthy as speaker.
 
The chamber adjourned Tuesday after designating Rep. Patrick McHenry, North Carolina Republican, to serve as temporary speaker. Mr. McHenry will preside over the planned speaker’s election next week.

• Kerry Picket can be reached at kpicket@washingtontimes.com.