Source: Heller to seek NRSC chairmanship

Sen. Dean Heller (R-Nev.) wants to become chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), a source close to the senator confirms to The Hill.

Heller, a swing-state freshman, plans to make the push to replace NRSC Chairman Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), who’s not expected to seek another term.

The next NRSC chairman will face a challenging map, with many more Republicans from Democratic-leaning and swing states up for reelection than red-state Democrats.

He may face competition from Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), who’s also been rumored to be interested in a run.

A top priority for the next NRSC chairman will be to defeat outgoing Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), who fought hard to keep Heller from winning his Senate seat in 2012.

Heller has some close ties with Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval (R), who just won reelection in dominant fashion and is a potential recruit to take on Reid. Some of Sandoval’s top advisers are Heller alumni, including Mike Slanker and Jeremy Hughes.

The Washington Post first reported Heller’s plans.