US House majority leader to step down

US House Majority Leader Eric Cantor announced Wednesday that he would resign his leadership post by July 31, after he was defeated Tuesday in a primary election to newbie David Brat, a Tea-Party backed rival, in Virginia state.

According to observers, it will clear the way for a Republican shake up ahead of the midterm elections this fall, when control of Congress is at stake, Xinhua reported.

House Republicans will also elect a new majority leader June 19.