WASHINGTON — Rep. Frank D. Lucas knows he’s the likely underdog in the now four-man race to replace Patrick T. McHenry as the top Republican on the House Financial Services Committee, but he isn’t letting that stop him.

The Oklahoma Republican jumped into the race this month, saying it’s the logical conclusion of his nearly 30-year panel tenure. He brings an emphasis on traditional banking policy issues and a cautious tone on cryptocurrency to the race. And he said he’s facing off against three of his “very favorites,” Reps. Andy Barr of Kentucky, French Hill of Arkansas and Bill Huizenga of Michigan, all current subcommittee chairs with strong fundraising records.

“In my career as a legislator, in my career as a candidate, I’ve often been underestimated by lots of people. I don’t mind that. People can underestimate you as long as you overperform,” Lucas said in an interview. “We’ll see if I’m capable of overperforming one more time.”

Lucas pointed out that the race, whose outcome will be determined by the Republican Steering Committee after the election in November and the conference picks its leadership, is a long way from the finish line. He faces strong opponents, but anything could happen between now and then.

“Honestly, who knows at this moment what that world will look like?” he said.

In the meantime, Lucas, who has chaired the House Agriculture Committee and now has the House Science, Space and Technology gavel, is pitching himself as someone with experience at the helm of committees, mentoring younger members and working across the aisle when consensus is possible.

‘Maintain the fundamentals’

A fifth-generation Oklahoman who grew up on a farm that has been in his family since 1912, Lucas joined the Financial Services Committee during his first term, back when it was called the Banking and Urban Affairs Committee.

He said he was drawn to the panel because of its jurisdiction over the cost and availability of capital, a key issue for his district, which covers about 34,000 square miles across Oklahoma’s western half.

“I’m an ag district at home. I’m an energy district. I’m Main Street. I’m manufacturing,” Lucas said. “All capital-intensive industries in a capital-starved state.”

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