GOP votes to replace Cheney with Stefanik after backing from Trump

House Republicans on Friday elevated Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) to replace Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) as the party’s conference chair, capping a tumultuous three-week stretch that exposed deep divisions in a conference beholden to former President Trump.

Stefanik, who was backed by Trump and top House GOP leaders, easily defeated Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), a member of the conservative House Freedom Caucus who launched a last-minute challenge over concerns Stefanik’s voting record is too liberal. The vote, conducted by secret ballot, was 134-46.

Three other Republicans — Reps. Virginia Foxx (N.C.), Jim Jordan (Ohio) and Cathy McMorris Rodgers (Wash.) — each received a single vote. Nine lawmakers voted present.