Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann dropped out of the race for House Republican Conference chair, political web sites reported Wednesday night.
Bachmann, a Tea Party favorite, conceded the No. 4 House party leadership position to Rep. Jeb Hensarling, R-Texas, said MinnPost.com and Politico.com.
She told reporters that Hensarling has her "enthusiastic support" for the top GOP messaging post, Politico said.
“Jeb has demonstrated his commitment to limited government, reduced spending and lower taxes and he will be a strong voice for the Tea Party’s call for these values,” Bachmann said in a statement sent by spokesman Sergio Gor, Politico said.
Hensarling announced support from presumptive majority leader Eric Cantor of Virginia, along with Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, Ron Paul of Texas, Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, Paul Broun of Georgia and Mike Pence of Indiana, Politico said.
Bachmann released her statement hours after a report that Hensarling was closing in on gaining enough votes for the post.
Hensarling in his statement praised Bachmann as a grassroots leader in the tea party movement.
"Michele Bachmann is a committed movement conservative whose effective voice played an important role in America's decision to trust House Republicans once again," Hensarling said. "She is a dear friend, and I am humbled to earn her support. I look forward to her energetic leadership in a united House Republican Conference during the 112th Congress."
Tea Party Caucus founder Bachmann said she will “advance the Tea Party ideals” through the group, would add freshman members, and .
“The new Congress will have great opportunities to lead our country into the direction our founders intended,” Bachmann said in her statement. “I spoke with Mr. Boehner and other members of leadership and I am convinced they will wholeheartedly work towards the issues the American people are calling for such as fiscal responsibility, ending the bailouts and repealing Obamacare.”