US Representative Eric Cantor, the House Majority Leader defeated in a shocking Republican primary election upset on Tuesday, said on Wednesday that he would step down from his House leadership post on July 31.
Cantor, who represented the suburbs of Richmond, Virginia, was defeated by college professor and political novice David Brat, who had the support of tea party conservatives.
The election by secret ballot for Cantor's House leadership post is next Thursday, and conservatives are demanding someone from a so-called red state be chosen.
House Republican Whip Kevin McCarthy of California, who has the support of Cantor, is expected to seek the post and is considered the front runner. Representative Pete Sessions of Texas has said he will seek the position, too