EXCLUSIVE — Members of the conservative House Freedom Caucus are looking to expand their hold on the lower chamber by recruiting candidates to run for office — even by challenging some of their fellow Republican incumbents to do so. 

At least five members of the Freedom Caucus are planning to announce their support for Republican candidate Adam Morgan, a state representative from South Carolina who is challenging Rep. William Timmons for his House seat. Those members include Freedom Caucus Chairman Bob Good (R-VA) and former Caucus Chairman Scott Perry (R-PA), as well as Reps. Mary Miller (R-IL), Andy Harris (R-MD), and Dan Bishop (R-NC). 

“I think these people are looking for allies and fighters,” Morgan told the Washington Examiner in an interview. “I’ve taken on the RINOs and the Left and the lobbyists … Those are the kinds of people they want to serve with in Washington right now.”

The most recent endorsements build on the support Morgan has garnered from other members of the conservative group, including Reps. Ralph Norman (R-SC) and Josh Brecheen (R-OK). Morgan noted that more endorsements are likely to follow.

Morgan, who serves as chairman of the state Freedom Caucus in South Carolina, said he wanted to go after Timmons’s seat because he doesn’t believe the Republican incumbent has fought hard enough for conservative issues. However, he noted his campaign “has nothing to do with” Timmons and is more so an opportunity to expand the Freedom Caucus’s conservative influence in the House. 

“You need a number of good, strong people. It’s a numbers game,” Morgan said. “And the Freedom Caucus needs more members and more allies, and that’s why they’ve helped me out.”

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However, Timmons has received support from other top Republicans, including House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) and Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH), setting the stage for a competitive primary. Former President Donald Trump also threw his support behind Timmons earlier this month. 

But Morgan’s candidacy underscores a larger movement among House conservatives seeking to cement their hold on the lower chamber. At least one other state Freedom Caucus member is seeking higher office in the Palmetto State: State Rep. Stewart Jones, who is vying to replace Rep. Jeff Duncan (R-SC) after he retires next year.