DONNA CASSATA
Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — Texas Rep. Pete Sessions is dropping his bid for majority leader, clearing the field for California Rep. Kevin McCarthy to secure the No. 2 job in the House.

In a statement Thursday, Sessions says that after thoughtful consideration and discussion with his colleagues, he has decided not to continue his run.

The chairman of the Rules Committee says it’s become obvious that a successful campaign would have created painful divisions within the party. His spokeswoman says Sessions has no plans to seek the No. 3 job of whip.

The announcement comes two days after Rep. Eric Cantor’s stunning primary loss. Cantor announced on Wednesday he would step down as majority leader at the end of July.

The election for majority leader is slated for June 19.

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