Scott Jennings has emerged as an early favorite for next White House press secretary, multiple sources familiar with the matter told CNN, though all stressed that the process is far from complete.
Chief of staff Susie Wiles recently met with Jennings, who is a CNN contributor, at Mastro’s Steakhouse in Washington, DC, at the request of the White House, two sources familiar with the meeting said, and multiple staffers believe he has her backing.
“He’s competent and good on TV,” one senior White House official said of why Wiles had shown interest in Jennings, a longtime adviser to Sen. Mitch McConnell who also served in the George W. Bush administration.
CNN has reached out to Jennings.
The longtime GOP strategist is just one of a few candidates who has piqued the interest of the White House, and one source said Wiles plans to meet with several other potential contenders before making any decisions. With Karoline Leavitt’s departure at the end of the month and the midterms less than three months away, the White House is facing a critical vacancy — but officials have stressed they’re not rushing the process.
