Rep. Andy Harris (R-Md.) has been chosen to lead the House Freedom Caucus until the end of 2025, a decision made by the group’s members on Monday night. This solidifies his position as the head of the hardline conservative caucus.
In a statement regarding his reappointment as House Freedom Caucus chairman, Harris expressed his gratitude, stating, “It is my honor to continue to serve as House Freedom Caucus chairman. This coming year will be pivotal as we work to deliver on President Trump’s agenda, continue the fight to reduce government spending, secure our borders, and defend our constitutional freedoms.”
Harris assumed the role of chair of the Freedom Caucus in September, succeeding Rep. Bob Good (R-Va.) who stepped down following a primary defeat. Representing Maryland’s 1st Congressional District since 2011, Harris also holds a significant position on the House Appropriations Committee, serving as the chair of its subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, and the Food and Drug Administration.
With approximately three dozen members, the Freedom Caucus has emerged as a frequent challenger of House GOP leadership in recent years, particularly on issues related to government spending, advocating for cuts to federal expenditures. The caucus also advocates for internal House GOP rules and policies that distribute power more evenly and grant greater authority to individual House members.
In a recent move, the caucus took a stance on the strategy for advancing President-elect Trump’s ambitious legislative agenda. The Freedom Caucus communicated to Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) their support for a “fully offset” and “focused” border reconciliation package in January, followed by the progression to a second, broader reconciliation bill encompassing taxes, spending, energy, bureaucracy, and related matters.
This position contrasts with some Republicans, including House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (R-Mo.), who advocate for a single reconciliation package and caution that tax-related provisions should take precedence to prevent missing an opportunity to extend expiring tax cuts.
Good, who assumed the chairmanship in December 2023, relinquished his position after a primary defeat to a candidate endorsed by Trump, Rep.-elect John McGuire (R-Va.). Trump had openly expressed displeasure with Good’s prior endorsement of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in the 2024 GOP presidential primary and was not reassured by Good’s subsequent support for Trump after DeSantis withdrew. Good’s term was originally scheduled to continue until 2025.
Harris is now the sixth chairman of the Freedom Caucus, a group established in 2015 by conservatives including Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) and former Rep. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.).
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