Jonathan Ernst/Reuters
Rep. Mark Meadows (R-NC), rumored as a front-runner for the open White House chief of staff position, has been asked by President Trump to remain in Congress, a White House official said Wednesday, The Wall Street Journal reports. “Congressman Mark Meadows is a great friend to President Trump and is doing an incredible job in Congress,” a White House official said. “The president told him we need him in Congress so he can continue the great work he is doing there.” Trump is looking for his third chief of staff after less than 24 months in office. John Kelly will be leaving the position at the year’s end. Meadows had previously expressed interest in the position and is a conservative ally of Trump in the House. “I’ve had the best job in the world, representing the people of western North Carolina and working alongside President Trump these last two years to give the forgotten men and women of America a voice in their government,” he said in a statement. “I’m fully committed to continuing in both of those roles. I know the President has a long list of tremendous candidates for his next Chief of Staff, and whomever it is will have my total support moving forward.”