WASHINGTON DC – Eric Cantor plans to step down as House majority leader at the end of July after suffering a shocking primary defeat to a Tea Party-backed challenger, Fox News has learned.

Cantor, following his loss to primary rival Dave Brat, is expected to tell colleagues about his plans at a House Republican Conference meeting set for 4 p.m. ET.

Several House members already are jockeying for position, making phone calls and lining up for a potential leadership race. Cantor’s defeat, and decision to step down, touches off a chain reaction of openings that many members are interested in.

“Members are freaking out right now,” one senior House GOP source told Fox News, noting that nothing “rattles” lawmakers more than phone calls about who might support whom. 

Republicans sources told Fox News that Cantor will likely throw his support behind Republican Whip Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., to succeed him.

Others have eyed Reps. Jeb Hensarling, R-Texas; Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash.; and Pete Sessions, R-Texas, as potential candidates for the post.

“It’s Kevin’s to lose,” one member said.

For the near-term, Cantor is set to step down on July 31, with leadership elections held sometime that month or potentially earlier. One senior House GOP leadership aide said they need to have “direction.”

“It can’t just be Lord of the Flies,” the aide said.  (read more)