Rep. Elise Stefanik undercut Speaker Johnson's comments at his press conference on Tuesday. (AP/Getty)
Fox News Digital reached out to both Johnson and Stefanik for further comment but did not hear back by press time.
It's a stunning public clash between two members of House GOP leadership that comes shortly after Stefanik returned to her House role full-time.
SENATE GOP PUSHES TRUMP BUDGET FRAMEWORK THROUGH AFTER MARATHON VOTE SERIES
She had been poised to easily sail through the Senate confirmation process to become President Donald Trump's new ambassador to the United Nations.
But the House's razor-thin majority and concerns about the race to replace Stefanik in her upstate New York district eventually forced Trump to have her drop out of the process.
House Republican Conference Chair Rep. Elise Stefanik (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
When asked about speaking to her and Lawler about potentially running, Johnson told reporters on Tuesday, "I have lots of conversations."
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
"I love them both. They're two of my favorite people and most trusted colleagues. And, and they're both super talented, which is why they get talked about for doing other things… I mean, my preference is they all stay here with me, right," Johnson said.
"But I don't begrudge anybody for having other opportunities. And we ultimately support them in whatever they do. But, are we having conversations? We are. Yeah. And that's all I'm going to say about it."
Elizabeth Elkind is a politics reporter for Fox News Digital leading coverage of the House of Representatives. Previous digital bylines seen at Daily Mail and CBS News.
Follow on Twitter at @liz_elkind and send tips to elizabeth.elkind@fox.com
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/stefanik-undercuts-speaker-johnson-stunning-public-house-gop-spat