McMorris Rodgers calls for messaging meeting with younger members

House Republican Conference Chairwoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.) has called a meeting Thursday with a group of younger GOP lawmakers following reports that they have been dissatisfied with her management of the Republican conference.  

The outreach effort comes after The Hill reported last week that younger members are frustrated with the party’s messaging.

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Some of these millennial Republicans have expressed interest in running for conference chair, the No. 4 House GOP leadership spot.

Other Republican sources disputed the notion members are dissatisfied with McMorris Rodger’s ability to effectively deliver party messaging.

“She’s on TV all the time,” one House GOP aide said. “She can speak on topics that most members can’t even touch.”

The Thursday meeting is supposed to focus on the party’s messaging strategy and the direction of the GOP conference, according to a copy of the meeting invitation obtained by The Hill.

“Conference Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers would like to invite your member to a meeting she is hosting with a small group of members to discuss the party’s messaging strategy and the direction of the Conference,” the invitation reads. “This meeting will be members only.”

Politico reported Monday that McMorris Rodgers’s leadership post could be at risk, with a number of Republicans weighing a bid for conference chair. McMorris Rodgers is the only female member in GOP leadership.

Reps. Mia Love (R-Utah), 42, and Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), 33, have been floated as potential contenders to succeed McMorris Rodgers, while freshman Rep. Scott Taylor (R-Va.), 38, is weighing a bid, sources said.

A spokeswoman for McMorris Rodgers characterized the Thursday meeting as part of the congresswoman’s regular outreach to young Republicans.

“The Chair has had ongoing discussions with the next generation of Republican leaders which pre-date her role in leadership,” said spokeswoman Olivia Hnat. “Beyond that, we don’t build a schedule around palace intrigue or discuss internal conversations with the media.”

While no one has announced a challenge against McMorris Rodgers for her leadership role, a number of Republicans have voiced concerns over her job performance.

“It’s a problem when the person whose job description is to be the conference communicator is less recognizable on television than many of our rank and file member,” a GOP leadership aide told The Hill.

Melanie Zanona contributed to this story. 

Updated: 8:30 p.m.