House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green, R-Tenn., has reversed his decision to retire and will seek reelection following encouragement from various Republicans, including former President Donald Trump.
“While my strong desire was to leave Congress at the end of this year, since my announcement, I have received countless calls from constituents, colleagues, and President Trump urging me to reconsider,” Green stated on Thursday, as reported by Axios.
Reflecting on his decision, Green, a former Army officer, invoked the words of Gen. McArthur on a statue at West Point: “Duty, honor, country.” He expressed his realization of his duty to fulfill his obligations to the country.
Trump’s endorsement of Green’s reelection bid was made public on Thursday through his Truth Social page. Trump praised Green’s political talents and highlighted his effective leadership as Chairman of the Homeland Security Committee.
“Mark Green has had lots of options because of his political talents, and the great job he has done as a Congressman, but given the fantastic work he’s doing 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 wrote.
Green’s decision to retire, announced on Feb. 14, cited his feeling of accomplishment in his goals and his readiness for new challenges, as per CNN reports. He emphasized his leadership in the House vote to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and the passing of H.R. 2, the Republican border security bill.
Initial speculations hinted at Green’s interest in launching a gubernatorial run in Tennessee.
Meanwhile, several other House Republican committee chairs, including Financial Services Chairman Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., Appropriations Chairwoman Kay Granger, R-Texas, and Energy and Commerce Chairwoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., have declared they will not seek reelection.
