Politico: Michael McCaul Top Candidate to Replace Kelly at DHS

Michael McCaul, R-Texas, is the top candidate to replace John Kelly as secretary of Homeland Security, several sources told Politico Saturday.

Kelly on Friday took over as White House chief of staff after President Donald Trump ousted Reince Priebus in an explosive move.

"The President wanted to go a different direction," Priebus told CNN's Wolf Blitzer on "The Situation Room.

"A president has a right to hit a reset button. I think it's a good time to hit the reset button. I think he was right to hit the reset button."

McCaul is the Republican chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee. Others being considered for the role are Thomas Homan, the acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach, who is leading the president's commission on alleged voter fraud.

"So much of Trump's agenda is tied to DHS," said one Republican lobbyist close to the White House, adding: "Kelly was one of the best decisions he has made thus far. Considering how central DHS is to his agenda, he's got to make another great decision."

• Gingrich on John Kelly: White House 'Game Changer'
• Mike Pence to Kelly: 'You Will Do a Great Job'