Elise Stefanik elected number 3 Republican in US House

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - US congresswoman Elise Stefanik was elected to the number three Republican leadership post in the House of Representatives on Friday following the ouster of congresswoman Liz Cheney.

Stefanik has cemented her place as a staunch loyalist of former US President Donald Trump after a political career largely tailored to moderate policies.

But with the Republican Party lining up behind the ex-president ahead of the 2022 midterm elections and 2024 presidential race, Stefanik has hewed to the former president's populist agenda.

"Thank you to my colleagues for electing me to serve as House Republican Conference Chair and to my constituents across #NY21 for their outpouring of support!" she said on Twitter. "I am excited to lead our unified team alongside @GOPLeader & @SteveScalise to combat Biden and Pelosi’s Far-Left agenda!"

She was mentioning House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy and Minority Whip Steve Scalise.

Cheney, the daughter of former US Vice President Dick Cheney, made headlines as a vocal critic of Trump and his claims of election fraud that led to the riot at the US Capitol building on Jan. 6. She was one of 10 House Republicans who voted to impeach Trump after the riot.

"We must go forward based on truth. The nation needs a party based on fundamental principles of conservatism," she told reporters she was removed from the post she held for over two years on Tuesday.

Cheney's removal has raised questions about whether Trump is widening divisions in the Republican Party ahead of midterm elections in which it is seeking to regain majorities in the House and Senate.