Republicans brace for Mitch McConnell succession fight with Senate won
With Republicans back in control of the Senate, the real drama begins next week when lawmakers return to Washington.Three contenders are jockeying to succeed Sen.Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) as GOP leader: Minority Whip John Thune of South Dakota, John Cornyn of Texas and Rick Scott of Florida.
The leadership vote is slated to take place Nov.13.McConnell, the longest-serving party leader in Senate history, announced in February he would step down from the role following this year’s elections.The mild-mannered Kentucky sage had a bitter falling out with former President Donald Trump during the aftermath of the 2020 election, prompting the latter to occasionally lash out at McConnell and hurl racially-tinged attacks against his wife, former Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao.
Trump, 78, has generally been far more chummy with House Republican leadership than their Senate peers, but that dynamic may change depending on who senators pick to lead them.Scott, who unsuccessfully challenged McConnell after the 2022 midterms, is seen as the underdog in the race, while Thune and Cornyn have worked closely with McConnell and adhere to the Kentuckian’s brand of traditional Republican politics.
McConnell has refrained from meddling in the race and very few Republican senators have publicly endorsed a contender thus far.Many have indicated that they are still undecided.
Trump has also declined to publicly endorse a contender.“The president obviously has tremendous influence, if he chooses to use it,” Thune mused on Fox News Wednesday.
All three contenders quickly heralded Trump’s victory and vowed to help enact his agenda.“It is critically important that the Senate is prepared to enact his pro-growth agenda from day one.
Come January, we must be ready to confirm his nominees, pass a budget, address our debt, extend the Trump tax cuts, and reverse Kamala Harris’ disastrous border security policies,” Cornyn said in a statement.Thune said, “The incoming Senate R...