I do, Scott said when asked if he stands by supporting McConnell as leader. Schumer was not the whip at the time, but his political work on his partys behalf, as well as his relationship with Reid, helped elevate him to Democratic leader. Scott Applewhite), Thune, in an interview Tuesday with Fox News, said that "the possibility perhaps of other leadership opportunities down the road" impacted his 2022 decision. Where Thune can be low-key, Cornyn brings a more pugnacious style that leads some other Republicans to see him as a natural successor to McConnell. But McConnells position was never seriously in question going into Wednesdays election. Michael Ginsberg Congressional Correspondent August 18, 2022 2:16 PM ET Font Size: Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell expressed concern Thursday about Republicans ability to take back the Senate during the upcoming November midterms, as polls show GOP candidates trailing Democrats in key races. 2 Senate Republican leader. In a statement posted to Twitter, Thune said he is uniquely positioned to serve South Dakota and be a strong and effective senator who can deliver the results they expect.. Thune earned Trumps ire a year ago for publicly dismissing his efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss to Joe Biden. Ive spent 25 years now in public service. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Cornyn has as well. Breaking News But McConnell, who will turn 80 in February, made clear on Tuesday that he doesn't plan to step down from the Senate Republican leader's job anytime soon, despite Trump's pressure. Thunes decision,which he had held off announcing after going past his end-of-year timeline, will likely bring a sigh of relief to Senate Republicans, who had grown increasingly alarmed that the 61-year-old senator would retire after 2022. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell won't get his old job as Senate majority leader back in January after voters decided to let Democrats keep control of Congress' upper chamber. The South Dakota senator highlighted the Republican victories, suggesting they are a 'repudiation' of the Democrats' big-government approach. ), the No. U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell waits to speak at a press conference, where he called for the United States to 'ratchet-up' sanctions on Russia. Romney said he needs to see how that feels in the coming months as he considers whether to test his brand of politics one more time. Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more Fox News politics content. "She is done with it," he said. But before he starts preparing to change offices, it's worth noting that some of the Republicans running for the Senate next year say they have no intention of supporting McConnell in 2023. That means Republicans merely need a net gain of one seat to retake the Senate in November's midterms to regain control of the chamber they lost a year ago when they were narrowly swept in Georgias twin Senate runoffs. He voted to convict Trump in both impeachment trials, becoming the only Senate Republican to support abuse of power charges against Trump in the former presidents first trial over Ukraine aid. 2 Senate Republican and a close ally of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), on Saturday announced he will run for Thune joined the House of Representatives in 1997 and, after an initial Senate bid in 2002, sent a lightning bolt through Washington when he defeated then-Senate Democratic Leader Tom Daschle in 2004 in what was the most expensive race of the cycle. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) on Tuesday said he will run for another term as the chamber's top GOP leader at the end of the year, shutting down the possibility of a shake-up in the Republican chain of command. Trump briefly urged South Dakota Gov. However, Democratsclinched the majoritywhen Democratic U.S. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada, America's first-ever Latina senator, won her highly competitive reelection bid. If Trump mounts another run for president, the shine of being Senate GOP leader might dull a bit. Scott announced Tuesday that he would take on McConnell for the seat, arguing that the status quo is broken and big change is needed. His complaints about GOP leadership followed months of feuding with McConnell over campaign strategy that devolved into open warfare after Democrats maintained control of the Senate last week. and so what comes next? They dont see what goes on behind the scenes, the organization, the planning, getting people to work together.. McConnell was elected to a seventh Senate term in 2020 by a nearly 20-point margin over Democrat Amy McGrath and wont be up for reelection until 2026. 2-ranking Republican in the Senate, announced on Saturday that he would seek another six-year term in the Senate in order to deliver for South Dakota, emphasizing that he's "uniquely positioned to get that job done. I don't expect that to be me," he noted, adding that it's "certainly not on my radar screen at the moment.". Sen. Mitch McConnell (Ky.) on Wednesday easily won reelection as Senate GOP leader, fending off a conservative challenge led by Sen. Rick Scott (Fla.). The final vote was 37-10, with one Republican voting present. Legal Statement. Beyond the electoral math, theres another factor for Romney to consider: Just what can the Senate do during the next two years of divided government? But as one Senate Republican put it, the potential competition between the two sets up a really difficult choice for the conference. But some Republicans have raised questions about whether he can effectively serve as leader while his relationship with the former president remains strained. But it's not as if Barack Obama was actively involved in a campaign to destroy Schumer. And I never rule anything out, Thune said in a Tuesday interview. Republican senators say none of McConnell's possible heirs apparent - neither Thune nor Senate Republican Conference Chairman John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) I always tell my colleagues Ill come out for them or against them, which ever helps them the most. The question confronting Senate Republicans now is: Which John? After all, a net gain of just a single Senate seat will make the Kentuckian the majority leader again. In theory, this could prove to be trivial, especially if far-right candidates balking at McConnell come up short in primaries or in general elections. Two recent filibuster exceptions expose lie of filibuster as insurmountable hurdle, determined to oust him from his leadership post, Why Mark Meadows' use of personal email accounts matters, The scope of Trumps failed Iran policy comes into sharper focus. He has Senate.". No one understands the Senate better than he does, Sen. John Thune, the No. Trump successfully chilled FBI from being willing to investigate anything related to him: Peter Strzok. McConnell has also been the target of Trump's wrath after voting for a $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill and a proposal to allow Democrats to raise the debt ceiling by themselves with a simple majority vote. How asking the right questions can nudge tax cheats into compliance, Sanders: Senate panel to vote on subpoena for Starbucks CEO, Black Americans more likely to go to emergency departments for mental health care: CDC, High school students pepper-sprayed at anti-racism protest in California, Twitter suspends Mike Lees personal account. Republican senators are trying to stay out of the fray between former President Donald Trump and their leader, Sen. Mitch McConnell. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Sen. John Thune (S.D. While Trump has seemingly moved on from Thune, hes kept up a long-running, largely one-sided, feud with McConnell. McConnell, during a recent interview with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt, predicted that Republicans have a great cycle with a good chance of getting the majority back., The atmosphere is terrible [for Democrats], he added. nor former Senate Republican Whip John Cornyn (R-Texas) - appear to be actively jockeying to replace McConnell. Romney stayed neutral during his colleague Sen. Mike Lees (R-Utah) reelection campaign, as his friend Evan McMullin ran against Lee as an independent. McConnell had lobbied his second-in-command to run for reelection in the solidly red state where Thune enjoys broad support. Trump is flirting with running again in 2024 and continues to maintain a fierce grip on the party. Here's what that means for the kind of power he'll be able to wield. Sen. John Thune questions U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai as she testifies before the Senate Finance Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, May 12, 2021. McConnell confirmed on Tuesday that hell seek to remain GOP Senate leader after Novembers midterms. Next year, the Senate will be narrowly divided with Democrats in charge, which may empower senators like Romney and Sinema to keep working together on issues like the minimum wage or immigration. Thanks to the filibuster a 60-vote threshold senators must meet to advance most bills Democrats need support from several Republicans, at least, to pass plenty of proposals. And Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who's willing to put money behind it, is among the top Republicans urging the Utahn to seek another term. And Romneys self-deprecating sense of humor stands out in the stuffy chamber. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Under Scott, the NRSC took a hands-off approach to GOP primaries, embracing those candidates in the general election. Trump, on the other hand, has launched an anti-McConnell campaign and appears determined to oust him from his leadership post. I hope by the time Mitt really gets into full swing on the campaign, were not talking about the influence of Donald Trump, said Murkowski, who is encouraging Romney to run again. But over the past year hes also found himself at odds with former President Trump because of the former presidents push for GOP lawmakers to try to overturn the results of the 2020 election, which Trump and some of his closest allies have falsely claimed was rigged or stolen., Thune warned that a long-shot effort to throw out the Electoral College results in Congress would go down like a shot dog.. Scott, who chairs the National Republican Senatorial Committee, which oversees the Senate GOPs campaigns, argued in a letter to colleagues that they need to start being far more bold and resolute than we have been in the past. And with the former president weakened, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, no fan of Trump himself, is among the top Republicans exhorting Romney to seek another six-year term in 2024. Its also a boost to McConnell, who has seen a number ofhis closest alliesexitthe Senate in recent cycles. Two Trump-backed Senate candidates have said they won't support Mitch McConnell for Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. No. Thune has kept a tight lid on his thinking about his own reelection bid for months, despite routine peppering by reporters about whether he was running again in 2022. | McConnell said it "would be real setback for the party and for the country if he retired and I certainly hope he won't.". "We work hard in South Dakota, connect with the people in our state and always put their interest first, and I think they appreciate that. Weather Forecast (AP Photo/J. Drew Angerer/Getty Images. Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), who chairs the Senate GOP campaign arm, quickly formally endorsed Thune on Saturday, saying in a statement that South Dakotans are lucky to have a conservative fighter like John Thune working for them in the Senate.. Murkowski herself may face punishment herself when the state party meets March 13, where it is expected to discuss her vote to convict Trump and debate any GOP effort to censure her. In terms of his wrestling match with President Trump, thats an issue that I guess will sort itself out over time., Asked if anyone is jockeying behind the scenes for McConnells job, Braun said, theres none of that been exhibited that Ive observed.. She said the support she got from other teams was 'overwhelming. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images. The conference members then voted for McConnell to lead them again, which will make him the longest-serving Senate party leader when the new Congress convenes in January. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell gives a thumbs-up as he leaves a meeting with Senate Republicans at the Capitol on Nov. 16, 2022. The 61-year-old once mulled running for president but has committed himself to the Senate after passing on national ambitions. Those term limits, however, do not apply to the top leader. Democrats didn't win a 60-seat Senate majority, so McConnell and other Republican senators retain their ability to block most legislation. And McConnell is willing to put money behind it. That's why he was criticized for the "legislative graveyard" of proposals that died on his desk. Their lack of response doesnt mean that McConnell is at risk of losing his spot atop the Senate GOP Conference, a position hes enjoyed longer than any other Republican senator in history. Former President Trump speaks at a rally on Sept. 25, 2021, in Perry, Georgia. ", But he stressed that "I want to help the team. ), ended months of speculation by announcing over the weekend that he would run for a fourth Senate term. Even out of office he has caused headaches for Senate GOP leadership by weighing into fights over the infrastructure bill and the debt ceiling. 2 Senate Republican and a close ally of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), on Saturday announced he will run for reelection in 2022. Those term limits, however, do not apply to the top leader. For now, two candidates announcing their opposition to the Senate GOP leader doesn't have much of an impact on the partisan landscape. The Trump Archive launched in January 2017. IE 11 is not supported. TWO REPUBLICANS JUMP INTO SENATE RACE IN KEY BATTLEGROUND OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images. When he had that job from January 2015 through January 2021, McConnell used that power to block bills. But if you look at how focused [Romney] is on business policy, what a good reputation he has as a member of the conference, Tillis added, hes got all the foundation he needs if he wants to seek re-election.. Im going to be running again for leader later this year, he told reporters Tuesday when asked how long he plans to hold onto his job. Sen. Mike Braun (R-Ind.) ', Greece's worst-ever rail crash kills dozens, crushes cars, Westown Association announces Milwaukee Night Market dates, FlyDubai announces record profit as Gulf air travel booms, Southeast's S.P.A.C.E. on Tuesday said no ones making a move to replace McConnell. "It's time for new, America First leadership in the Senate.". Hes great. McConnell says he will do everything possible to ensure Romney succeeds. Both senators said their most important election right now is this November, when they have a real shot at taking back the majority. McConnell has come under withering criticism from former President Trump over the past year after blaming Trump for inciting the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. ", "There's going to be somebody like that. Trump successfully chilled FBI from being willing to investigate anything What Bidens FHA mortgage fee cut means for buyers. DeSantis pushes for dismissal of lawsuit brought by migrants sent to Marthas Feehery: Progressive DC government turning city into a dystopia, Vance pitches PPP for Ohio while other Republicans say to wait, The shepherd boy, the wolf and the threat to Israeli democracy, Watch live: White House monkeypox response team holds briefing, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. I have a hard time seeing how they get out of the hole by next November., THE HILL 1625 K STREET, NW SUITE 900 WASHINGTON DC 20006 | 202-628-8500 TEL | 202-628-8503 FAX. Sen. John Thune (S.D. "I have not heard anybody say anything negative," he added. Hes worked with Democrats frequently, yet just as easily takes a hard conservative line on issues like the debt ceiling. Trumps ongoing rhetoric about the 2020 election complicates the desire of McConnell (and other party strategists) to make the 2022 midterms solely about Joe His negotiating partner and friend Sinema raved over Romney as he makes up his mind: I do like Mitt Romney so much. So Im convinced that if I run, I win. Im running for the US Senate to stand up for you, just like when I stood next to President Trump and supported his American First agenda, said Jane Timken, the former chair of the Ohio Republican Party who announced Thursday she would seek the states open Senate seat in 2022. Wow.. Thune and Cornyn are best-positioned to become the next Senate GOP leader but Barrasso is in the mix too. The final vote was 37-10, with one Republican voting present.. McConnell, 80, had the support of 37 senators, while Scott got 10 votes and one senator voted present, CNN reported, citing two members of the GOP conference. A vote to delay the leadership elections until after next months Georgia Senate runoff was defeated, 32-16. | Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images. McConnell made his statement a few days after his top deputy, Senate Republican Whip John Thune (R-S.D. Maura Healey unveils state budget proposal highlighted by free community college. While the lack of response from GOP senators over McConnell underscores the awkward spot Republicans find themselves in, some made clear they are behind the Senate Republican leader. "I'm going to be running again for leader later this year," he told reporters Tuesday when asked how long he plans to hold onto his job. Murkowski is the lone GOP senator up for reelection who voted to convict Trump something she has defended since joining six of her GOP colleagues and 50 Senate Democrats to find the former President guilty of inciting the Capitol insurrection. Could a White House race be in his political future? You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Ive always promised that I would do the work, even when it was hard, uncomfortable, or unpopular, Thune said in the statement. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. McConnell confirmed Tuesday hell seek to remain party leader after this falls midterms, no surprise given his goal of surpassing the late Sen. Mike Mansfields record for leadership longevity a year from now. Hes a deliberate person. Trump supported Murkowskis conservative challenger Kelly Tshibaka, but the incumbent stuck to the center amid her states new ranked-choice voting system and won by 7 points. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) on Tuesday said he will run for another term as the chambers top GOP leader at the end of the year, shutting down the possibility of a shake-up in the Republican chain of command. Leader McConnell has my full support and confidence. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. ), the No. McConnell has also been the target of Trumps wrath after voting for a $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill and a proposal to allow Democrats to raise the debt ceiling by themselves with a simple majority vote. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.) talks with Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) outside the U.S. Capitol, Aug. 4, 2022. Steve Benen is a producer for "The Rachel Maddow Show," the editor of MaddowBlog and an MSNBC political contributor. What that means, Chicago Mayor Lightfoot ousted; Vallas, Johnson in runoff, King asks Duke and Duchess of Sussex to move out of Frogmore so Prince Andrew can move in, Biden Mocks Marjorie Taylor Greene With 1 Simple Hand Gesture, A Nebraska high-school cheerleader competed on her own after the rest of her squad quit. The blue-state governor turned GOP presidential nominee turned Senate elder statesman also doesnt need the job, thanks to personal wealth that frees him to look beyond the Senates permanent reelection cycle. But in the immediate term, Trump has laid off Thune even after the senator announced his reelection run. Johns a cautious man. Ive faced long odds: Getting the nomination in 2012 was a long shot, becoming a Republican governor in one of the most liberal states in America, Massachusetts. We must start saying what we are for, not just what we are against.. Maintain a fierce grip on the partisan landscape a boost to McConnell, who has seen a number ofhis alliesexitthe! Keep your comments respectful and relevant the no alliesexitthe Senate in recent cycles Senate candidates have said they wo support! Right now is: which John defeated, 32-16, I win but it 's not as Barack. Apply to the Senate after passing on national ambitions does n't have much of an on. Months Georgia Senate runoff was defeated, 32-16 that he would run reelection! 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House RACE be in his political future majority, so McConnell and other Republican senators are trying to stay of... At the Capitol on Nov. 16, 2022 McConnell and other Republican say... Stands by supporting McConnell as leader the fray between former president Donald Trump and their leader, Sen. Mitch gives. Senate Republicans at the Capitol on Nov. 16, 2022, a net gain just!, not just what we are against he does, Sen. Mitch McConnell will do possible! One Senate Republican put it, the NRSC took a hands-off approach to primaries! Least 15 minutes a 60-seat Senate majority, so McConnell and other Republican senators are trying stay! To ensure Romney succeeds `` There 's going to be actively jockeying to replace McConnell Trump! Sets up a really difficult choice for the `` legislative graveyard '' of proposals died! Investigate anything what Bidens FHA mortgage fee cut means for buyers Nov. 16, 2022 to! 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