Staff Reports
Senate Republicans united on Wednesday to begin the process of selecting a new leader to succeed Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. Led by Sen. Ron Johnson and his conservative colleagues, the group aimed to craft a mission statement, set goals for the Conference, and establish a process for electing a new Senate Republican Leader. While they didn’t finalize a mission statement at the meeting, it was a productive gathering where members shared ideas about the future of the conference.
Senate Republicans begin to chart post-McConnell future https://t.co/WssSKWeGif
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Focusing on key conservative issues like deficit reduction, reforming the appropriations process, and safeguarding the filibuster, the senators engaged in a constructive and civil discussion. Senate Minority Whip John Thune and Sen. John Cornyn, the two contenders for McConnell’s position, attentively listened to the deliberations. The meeting was dubbed as “room temperature” by Sen. Thom Tillis – not too hot, not too cold – a sentiment echoed by Sen. Kevin Cramer, who lauded the valuable opportunity for candid conversation.
As McConnell prepares to step down as the longest-serving Senate leader of all time, the race for their replacement has intensified. Thune and Cornyn are currently the front-runners, with Sen. Rick Scott also expressing interest in joining the race for McConnell’s leadership. Meanwhile, Sen. John Barrasso, vying for Thune’s role, and Sens. Joni Ernst and Tom Cotton, competing for Barrasso’s position, add further dynamics to the leadership shuffle.
Amidst this wave of ambition, Sen. Shelley Moore Capito’s decision to vie for Ernst’s role as the Senate GOP Policy Committee chair prompted Sen. James Lankford to announce his bid for Capito’s current position as the No. 5 Senate Republican. With these moves, the Senate Republicans are bracing for a period of change and transition as they map out the future leadership landscape.
