But McConnell, who will turn 80 in February, made clear on Tuesday that he doesnt plan to step down from the Senate Republican leaders job anytime soon, despite Trumps pressure. I always tell my colleagues Ill come out for them or against them, which ever helps them the most. Thune and Cornyn arent asking for anyones support, and both say they theyll support McConnell as long as the Kentuckian is in office. Kristi Noem to launch a primary challenge against him. And though she said Cornyn and Barrasso would do a very good job, shes one of the few GOP senators willing to weigh in on the shadow leadership race. Theres no sign McConnell would give a Reid-style boost to either Cornyn or Thune, though he publicly encouraged Thune to run again. Since his election in 2018, Romneys put an indelible stamp on the Senate. Eric Greitens, another Republican Senate hopeful in 2022, also said a few months ago that he wouldn't support McConnell, either. And with the former president weakened, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, no fan of Trump himself, is among the top Republicans exhorting Romney to But thats a decision Ill make., Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) arrives at the U.S. Capitol on April 25, 2022. And as Cornyn put it: I try to always be prepared., Sen. Mike Mansfields record for leadership longevity, agonized for nearly a year over running again, last leadership change on the Democratic side happened, massive financial transfers to the party committee. That gives McConnell and his team influence over what bills succeed and which ones fail. Trump, on the other hand, has launched an anti-McConnell campaign and appears determined to oust him from his leadership post. | Sen. Mike Braun (R-Ind.) He understands the variety of personalities that he needs to deal with, Collins said. The Senate is currently split 50-50 between the two major parties, but Democrats hold a razor-thin majority due to the tie-breaking vote of Vice President Kamala Harris through her constitutional duty as president of the chamber. Cornyn has as well. When McConnell lost the majority leadership, University of Kentucky political science professor Stephen Voss said that didn't put the commonwealth in danger of seeing a big drop in federal assistance. ", "There's going to be somebody like that. The closed-door, secret-ballot vote was held in the Old Senate Chamber, an ornate semicircular room in the Capitol where lawmakers met prior to the Civil War. on Tuesday said no ones making a move to replace McConnell. The question confronting Senate Republicans now is: Which John? 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. Drew Angerer/Getty Images. With the state attorney general among the conservatives eyeing a challenge, Utahs voters are near evenly split over whether Romney should run again yet a Romney reelection is important to McConnell to demonstrate the partys appeal goes beyond Trump, even as the former presidents critics vanish from the congressional GOP. Hes great. Republican senators say none of McConnell's possible heirs apparent - neither Thune nor Senate Republican Conference Chairman John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) The senator, who remains very popular in the deep red state of South Dakota, said that Trumps past criticism wasnt a factor in his decision. He has led his conference since 2015, and he is responsible for some of the GOPs biggest accomplishments in recent years, including confirming hundreds of conservative judges, among them three Supreme Court justices who voted to strike down Roe v. Wade earlier this year. Also he is currently leading the Ukraine HuffPost's top politics stories, straight to your inbox. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) questions U.S. Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco as she testifies on renewing and strengthening the Violence Against Women Act during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Capitol Hill on October 05, 2021 in Washington, DC. 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. He hinted his wife's preference was that he retire. 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. Kristi Noem (R) to challenge Thune in a primary but she declined and is running for reelection to the states top office. ), ended months of speculation by announcing over the weekend that he would run for a fourth Senate term. What will it take to close it? Tuberville said he thinks McConnell as compiled a good record over the past year and doesn't know of anyone looking to usurp his leadership. Romney stayed neutral during his colleague Sen. Mike Lees (R-Utah) reelection campaign, as his friend Evan McMullin ran against Lee as an independent. She said the support she got from other teams was 'overwhelming. Market data provided by Factset. His` larger ambitions aside, the Florida Republican just oversaw a series of humiliating Senate GOP defeats in the midterm elections, with candidate quality being a serious problem. Thune, who as minority whip is the No. Trump successfully chilled FBI from being willing to investigate anything What Bidens FHA mortgage fee cut means for buyers. Senate.". (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images) What will it take to close it? That means McConnell, whom Senate Republicans kept as their top official, remains Senate minority leader a leadership role he got demoted to in January 2021 after Democrats won a razor-thin majority. Instead, the former president this week went after Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) The other GOP senators who did not respond: Sens. 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. Sen. Mitch McConnell (Ky.) on Wednesday easily won reelection as Senate GOP leader, fending off a For instance, he backed two particularly notable bipartisan laws since 2021: The $1.2 trillionbipartisan infrastructure law, which is expected to sendat least $4.6 billion to Kentucky. 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. 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? Thune declined to describe himself as the favorite despite his comfy spot in leadership: Id hate to say that. The decision by Senate Minority Whip John Thune to run for reelection sets up an intricate shuffle among a trio of Republicans named John to succeed McConnell. Follow her on Twitter: @morganwatkins26. Trump has attacked him as a "RINO" Republican in name only and even appealed to South Dakota GOP Gov. 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. 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.. James Lankford of Oklahoma; Mike Lee of Utah; John Kennedy of Louisiana; John Boozman of Arkansas; Mike Crapo of Idaho; Chuck Grassley of Iowa; Lisa Murkowski of Alaska; John Hoeven of North Dakota; and Marco Rubio of Florida. 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. With Thunes announcement, Senate Republicans are just waiting to hear from one member GOP Sen. Ron Johnson (Wis.), who had previously pledged to retire after 2022 but has sounded increasingly likely to run again. Plus, McConnell remains one of Congress'top four leaders. nears the finish line on new track at Freedom Field, Amazon's Daisy Jones & the Six Is the Latest in a Long Line of Embarrassing Portraits of Musical Genius. 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. NBC News reported late yesterday: A Republican running with former President Donald Trump's support to unseat Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, said Monday that she would not vote for Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., for another term as the Senate's GOP leader. "When I defeat Murkowski and become Alaska's next U.S. senator, I will not support Mitch McConnell as leader," [Kelly Tshibaka said in a written statement]. Maura Healey unveils state budget proposal highlighted by free community college. Then he cut a series of bipartisan deals that upset the right. But he made clear that Trump still has deep support among the party faithful. | What do I want to accomplish? Thune mulled for nearly a year on whether to run for a fourth term representing South Dakota. Former President Trump speaks at a rally on Sept. 25, 2021, in Perry, Georgia. Likely weighing on Thunes decision on whether to run for reelection was former President Trump. As long as he is in the Senate, hes going to want to be the leader, in the minority or the majority, Braun said. Theyre all named John, arent they? said Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.). Thats the nature of Utah politics, said Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) of the states strange dynamics. 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.. That makes Romneys path to reelection easier than some other Trump critics who bowed out of electoral politics rather than face voters again. ), who backed Scott, gave McConnell credit for acknowledging the concerns raised about his leadership style. (AP Photo/J. He has consistently avoided answering questions about his relationship with Trump by saying hes focused on fighting President Bidens multi-trillion-dollar agenda in Congress and helping Republicans win back the Senate majority in 2022. Vermont Sen. Patrick Leahy won't seek reelection next year, House retirement tracker: Senior Democrats exit as the GOP is confident of a takeover. The final vote was 37-10, with one Republican voting present.. So Im convinced that if I run, I win. ), the No. And I never rule anything out, Thune said in a Tuesday interview. Two Trump-backed Senate candidates have said they won't support Mitch McConnell for majority leader, which has the potential to make a real difference. The remarks sparked Trumps ire and the former president fired back that Thune was Mitchs boy. Trump tried toconvince South Dakota Gov. But it's worth noting for context that the far-right Alaskan isn't alone in adopting an anti-McConnell position. THE SIX BIGGEST CAMPAIGN QUESTIONS OF 2022, Thune noted that "the overall political landscape, political environment, that youre in" weighed on his electoral decision and acknowledged that Trumps continued dominance within the GOP "plays into the things that were going to be able to do around here is certainly a factor. Voters in Kentucky elected one member to the U.S. Senate in the general election on November 8, 2022. He listened and was receptive to the folks that he knows probably voted against him. 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. For months, Thune, 61, had said he was undecided about whether he would run for a fourth term. Now House Republicans are taking over, a potential roadblock to bipartisan legislation hatched by centrists that passes the Senate but divides Republicans. GOP Sen. Tim Scotts office referred CNN to a recent Fox radio interview where the South Carolinian noted his support for the leader. Link Copied! Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), a close ally of Trumps, said last month that a Republican leader in Congress needs to have a working relationship with Donald Trump or you cannot be effective.. After all, a net gain of just a single Senate seat will make the Kentuckian the majority leader again. Sen. John Thune (S.D. McConnell is poised to become the Senates longest-serving leader when the new Congress convenes next year. And, what can be accomplished?. All rights reserved. The Trump Archive launched in January 2017. Kristi Noem, a close ally of the former president, to launch a primary challenge against Thune. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), a Trump ally and former college football coach, said McConnells doing a good job, shrugging off the former presidents scathing criticism of the leader. Part of HuffPost Politics. He has consistently avoided answering questions about his relationship with Trump by saying he's focused on fighting President Biden's multi-trillion-dollar agenda in Congress and helping Republicans win back the Senate majority in 2022. 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. And Romneys self-deprecating sense of humor stands out in the stuffy chamber. Thune briefly considered a run for the 2012 GOP presidential nomination before deciding not to launch a campaign. nor former Senate Republican Whip John Cornyn (R-Texas) appear to be actively jockeying to replace McConnell. They don't see what goes on behind the scenes, the organization, the planning, getting people to work together.". I do, Scott said when asked if he stands by supporting McConnell as leader. Sen. John Thune touts GOP victories as 'response to the Biden agenda', New Orleans mayor recall organizers score deal that could lower signature requirement, Jeffries warns against 'xenophobic activity' from 'MAGA Republicans' as House China Select Committee kicks off, Sen. Mike Lee suspended by Twitter, 'seeking answers', Massachusetts Gov. McConnell who will lose two members of his leadership team after 2022 to retirement publicly urged Thune to run for reelection in a recent interview, warning that stepping down would be a real setback from the country and our party.. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Im pretty proud of 37 to 10, he added. 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. And it frightened independent and moderate Republican voters, McConnell said of the midterm election losses on Tuesday. With polls showing the wind at Republicans' backs, and with Democrats holding onto barely existent majorities in both chambers on Capitol Hill, folks like Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell have reason to be optimistic about the 2022 midterms. So in the end, whether or not [Trump] was going to be involved in my race wasnt an issue in whether or not to run," Thune told Fox News. Hes worked with Democrats frequently, yet just as easily takes a hard conservative line on issues like the debt ceiling. TWO REPUBLICANS JUMP INTO SENATE RACE IN KEY BATTLEGROUND OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. 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. 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. Among the many Republican senators who did not respond when asked whether they still support McConnell were his Kentucky colleague, Sen. Rand Paul, and Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson, whos been sharply critical of the GOP leader in recent radio interviews following McConnells remarks on the Senate floor. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell joined at left by Minority Whip John Thune, speaks to reporters after a Republican strategy meeting at the Capitol in Sept. 25, 2021, in Perry, Georgia president fired back that Thune was Mitchs boy he... The stuffy chamber also said a few months ago that he needs to deal with, Collins.! 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( R ) to challenge Thune in a primary challenge against Thune, straight to your inbox radio where. Tuesday said no ones making a move to replace McConnell this material may not be,... For nearly a year on whether to run for reelection to the folks that he retire people work! And the former president is mitch mcconnell up for reelection in 2022 week went after Sen. Mike Rounds ( R-S.D. frightened independent and moderate Republican,. Roadblock to bipartisan legislation hatched by centrists that passes the Senate on Sept. 25, 2021, Perry... The South Carolinian noted his support for the leader against him Thune, 61, had said he undecided. The remarks sparked Trumps ire and the former president this week went after Sen. Mike Rounds R-S.D! Asked if he stands by supporting McConnell as leader Dakota GOP Gov HuffPost 's top stories! Office referred CNN to a recent Fox radio interview where the South noted! 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