Reince Priebus is considering a reelection bid to try and stay as chairman of the Republican National Committee.
Priebus, already the longest serving chairman in RNC history, has told friends and allies in recent weeks that he may seek a fourth term as head of the committee despite contrary speculation, Politico reported Monday.
A state party chairman who spoke with Priebus this past week said the chairman wanted to remain as head of the GOP to prove the success of the party during his tenure despite heightened divisions among Republicans.
Henry Barbour, the nephew of former RNC Chairman Haley Barbour, told Politico he met with Priebus during July’s Republican National Convention in Cleveland.
"He wants to keep his options open for running for reelection," Barbour said.
Republicans hoping to succeed Priebus have already begun launching campaign bids. Former 2016 presidential candidate and Hewlett Packard CEO Carly Fiorina is expected to spend the next few months traveling across the U.S. to help elect down-ballot Republicans while courting support from the 168 RNC members, Time reported last week.
Fiorina is banking on a Donald Trump loss in November to launch her leadership bid because the RNC traditionally designates committee chair picks to the incumbent president. Fiorina has not formally endorsed Trump.
Priebus has actively supported Trump’s presidential bid. He joined Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania last week just one day after more than 70 Republicans sent a letter to the chairman urging him to divert committee resources to House and Senate races.
The RNC will elect a successor to Priebus in January if he decides against running.