The top Senate-confirmed official at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has ruled himself out of contention to succeed acting Secretary Kevin McAleenan.
Transportation Security Administrator David Pekoske, who has been assigned as the senior official performing the duties of the deputy secretary under McAleenan, told DHS officials he wants to return to his role as head of TSA, The Hill has learned.
The two officials in contention to replace McAleenan are acting U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Ken Cuccinelli and Chief Operating Officer and Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Mark Morgan, according to a DHS official with knowledge of the situation.
