WASHINGTON — As the Senate Republican leadership election heats up, three senators are campaigning to take over from longtime GOP leader Mitch McConnell when he steps aside at the start of the new year, marking one of the most contentious leadership contests in decades. The senators in the mix are John Thune of South Dakota, John Cornyn of Texas, and Rick Scott of Florida, all actively seeking to garner votes in a secret-ballot election scheduled for Wednesday. Each is eager to prove they can best align with the upcoming president, Donald Trump, to drive his agenda forward.
In addition to aligning with Trump, the candidates are emphasizing their commitment to empowering fellow senators and fostering open communication within the party, distinguishing themselves from McConnell’s leadership style. The outcome remains uncertain, with the potential for multiple voting rounds before a decision is reached.
Focusing on the candidates, we start with SENATOR JOHN THUNE. At 63 years old, Thune first made a name for himself by defeating then-Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle in 2004, arguing that Daschle had strayed from his South Dakota roots during his time in leadership. Thune, currently the second-ranking Republican in the Senate and a past chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, has maintained a strong leading presence throughout the year in the race for majority leader. During this election cycle, he has helped raise over $31 million to support Senate Republicans, including a notable $4 million contribution from his own campaign funds.
However, Thune’s previous criticisms of Trump may work against him. He was vocal in his condemnation of Trump’s attempts to overturn the 2020 election results and the Capitol riots that ensued. His relations with Trump have since improved; they have been in regular contact, and Thune has made visits to the former president’s home in Florida, viewing their relationship as professional and goal-oriented.
Next is SENATOR JOHN CORNYN. Also widely respected within the GOP, Cornyn, who is 72, has a strong background in law as a former Texas attorney general and judge. He has been a key figure on the Senate Judiciary Committee and assisted McConnell as his second-in-command for six years. Cornyn has engaged closely with colleagues and been an effective fundraiser throughout his 22 years in the Senate, contributing over $400 million to party candidates. He took the lead in bipartisan discussions regarding gun legislation following a tragic school shooting in Texas, although his involvement in this area may alienate some of the party’s more conservative factions.
Despite past tensions with Trump, where he suggested in early 2024 that Trump may not be the preferable candidate, Cornyn has since repaired his rapport with the former president, meeting him during campaign visits in both Texas and Florida.
Lastly, we have SENATOR RICK SCOTT, who is approaching the leadership race from a unique angle. At 71, Scott, a former governor of Florida, has just been re-elected to the Senate. Scott has notably cultivated a close relationship with Trump and positioned himself as a dedicated ally. He celebrated a notable endorsement from Trump’s associates over the weekend, which propelled his visibility on social media. Looking to improve upon the 10 votes he received when challenging McConnell in 2022, Scott aims to rally more support in this round of voting. His ties to Trump’s base and his business background are central to his campaign, appealing especially to a growing faction of far-right senators who seek to shift power dynamics within the Senate.
As this election unfolds, the focus will remain on how these three candidates lever their strategies, connections, and experiences to secure the pivotal leadership role within the Senate Republican Conference.