Rep. Michele Bachmann has dropped her bid to join the Republican leadership.

Bachmann said in a statement Wednesday she was endorsing Rep. Jeb Hensarling of Texas for Republican Conference Chair, the No. 4 position in the GOP leadership.

"Jeb Henserling has my enthusiastic support for his candidacy to become Republican House Conference Chair," she said in a statement. "Jeb has demonstrated his commitment to limited government, reduced spending and lower taxes and he will be a strong voice for the Tea Party's call for these values."

Bachmann said she spoke with John Boehner, who is in line to become House Speaker in the new Congress, and she was convinced that the Republican leadership will work for fiscal responsibility and repealing the health care bill.

"I plan to advance the Tea Party ideals through their listening arm," she said. "It is my wish to bring new faces to the caucus, including freshmen members."