Diane Black, launching gubernatorial bid, not stepping down as budget chair

The Tennessean

U.S. Rep. Diane Black plans to remain chair of the House Budget Committee despite entering the 2018 race for governor of Tennessee.

Black announced Wednesday she will run for governor, a move that typically signals a step back from committee leadership. But Black leaving as leader of the budget committee would come at a precarious time, as congressional debates heat up ahead of the Oct. 1 start of the fiscal year.

"She will remain chairman for the time being. She’s just focusing on getting the budget across the finish line right now," said spokeswoman Hillary Lassiter.

A GOP conference rule, named after House Speaker Paul Ryan, would in theory require Black to relinquish her gavel, reports The Hill. Representatives for Ryan and House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

"She is committed to helping President Trump and completing the work on the conservative House Budget that she passed in her committee with unanimous support," said Black gubernatorial campaign adviser Lance Frizzell.

Other House Republicans on the budget committee are already eyeing the chairmanship, The Hill reports.

Black became chair in February, after then-Chairman Tom Price was confirmed as U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Reach Dave Boucher at 615-259-8892, dboucher@tennessean.com and on Twitter @Dave_Boucher1.