By Jonathan Allen, CQ Staff

The third-ranking House Republican told colleagues in a letter that he will not seek another term as chairman of the House Republican Conference late Tuesday night, citing a desire to put aside partisan warfare in favor of seeking bipartisan solutions to the nation’s problems.

“I believe it is time to step off the leadership ladder and return my focus to crafting public policy solutions for America’s generational challenges — the very reason I ran for Congress in the first place,” wrote Rep. Adam H. Putnam , a 34-year-old Floridian who has been viewed as a rising star in his party since his first election to Congress in 2000. “With the issues before us today come bipartisan opportunities and partisan differences. My current role obligates me to the latter and too often excludes me from the former. I want to fight the battles worth fighting and lock arms to strengthen our nation whenever possible.”

Texas Rep. Jeb Hensarling , chairman of the conservative Republican Study Committee, is likely to announce his candidacy on Wednesday, according to GOP aides.

“Hensarling is inclined to run,” said a Republican aide close to Hensarling, adding that the Texas Republican’s first call Wednesday morning will be to ask Putnam for his support.

But there are other members who could compete, including former Conference Vice Chairman Jack Kingston of Georgia.

“I wouldn’t rule it out,” Kingston said early Wednesday morning. “It’s time for new leadership. We need to find our soul. We need new ideas and a recommitment to our conservative roots. Most importantly, we need to be able to communicate.”

Rep. Darrell Issa of California could also run, according to a senior Republican aide.

Likely out of the running is Tennessee Rep. Marsha Blackburn , who ran for the conference chairmanship two years ago. She is running for the RSC chairmanship.