"I've always promised that I would do the work, even when it was hard, uncomfortable, or unpopular," Thune said in a statement posted on Twitter. Two Trump-backed Senate candidates have said they won't support Mitch McConnell for "It's kind of like being a head coach in football, people look at sometimes the outward statements. CNN contacted the 16 Senate Republicans up for reelection in 2022 on Thursday about whether they still back McConnell and just three responded. 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. Former President Trump speaks at a rally on Sept. 25, 2021, in Perry, Georgia. His clout isn't as strong as it was when he was majority leader, but it's still consequential, including when it comes to delivering government funds to Kentucky. Noem said on Twitter shortly after that Thune was a friend and she would not run against him. He was elected to the House in 1996 and served three terms there. Even out of office he has caused headaches for Senate GOP leadership by weighing into fights over the infrastructure bill and the debt ceiling. Market data provided by Factset. 3 Senate GOP leader whom Republicans believe is likely to ascend to the whip job first as Cornyn and Thune compete to succeed McConnell. A vote to delay the leadership elections until after next months Georgia Senate runoff was defeated, 32-16. ), the No. 2 Senate Republican leader. Severe Weather So Im convinced that if I run, I win. Barrasso has spent several years using his messaging operation to ingratiate himself with more junior Republicans, lining up lengthy press conferences and helping ease his path to become the next whip the same perch thats helped Cornyn and Thune position themselves to succeed McConnell. and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), as well as newly independent Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema. The great thing for us is, you have a couple of really exceptional individuals that can step up if McConnell decides to step out.. Legal Statement. 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.. The Trump Archive launched in January 2017. Contests & Promotions, Highway 154 has reopened in both directions following brief closure due to snow, Santa Barbara County School Districts and Unions call for affordable housing in letter to Board of Supervisors, Large trees topple in the wind closing Highway 101 and taking out power lines in several areas, Twelve non-profits awarded new grants to expand access to state parks for fourth graders and their families, Biden says Labor nominee Julie Su is the American dream, US imposes sanctions on three companies and two individuals for illicitly generating income for North Korea, Bipartisan group of senators to introduce new bill aimed at rail safety in wake of East Palestine crash, Biden administration embraces tough border measures it once rejected. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. 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. Im really pleasantly surprised that this was not a lot of sitting around and wringing hands. Hes not impulsive from anyway that I can tell, except on a basketball court, Cramer said of his fellow Dakotan. 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. Then theres John Barrasso, the No. It validates him as leader in a really big way. Sen. John Thune of South Dakota says the eventual possibility of succeeding longtime Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell in steering Republicans in the chamber was "a factor" in his decision to run for reelection this year. Even Sen. Mike Braun (Ind. McConnell made his statement a few days after his top deputy, Senate Republican Whip John Thune (R-S.D. He likes winners and John Thune is a winner, Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) told The New York Times. CNN In August, Mitch McConnell told a hard truth . Wow.. But it's not as if Barack Obama was actively involved in a campaign to destroy Schumer. He has been involved in a lot of different issues. 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. All rights reserved. THE HILL 1625 K STREET, NW SUITE 900 WASHINGTON DC 20006 | 202-628-8500 TEL | 202-628-8503 FAX. Also he is currently leading the Ukraine McConnell was elected to a seventh Senate term in 2020 by a nearly 20-point margin over Democrat Amy McGrath and won't be up for reelection until 2026. "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. Thune serves on the Senate Commerce Committee and has played a leading role in telecommunications issues, including efforts to promote broadband. But as one Senate Republican put it, the potential competition between the two sets up a really difficult choice for the conference. 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.. 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.. McConnell said in an interview that hes absolutely willing to do the same for Romney, and is pushing his colleague for another bid. Anybody who wants to run for it can feel free to do so. Could a White House race be in his political future? 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. 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. McConnell confirmed on Tuesday that hell seek to remain GOP Senate leader after Novembers midterms. His negotiating partner and friend Sinema raved over Romney as he makes up his mind: I do like Mitt Romney so much. I think theres probably a greater likelihood the House flips than the Senate, the Senate minority leader said at Cornyns power base stems from his time as whip and party committee chair in 2010 and 2012 as well as his continued fundraising prowess for the party and handy reelection win in 2020 after Democrats tried to make Texas a battleground state. 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. We underperformed among independents and moderates because their impression of many of the people in our party, in leadership roles, is that theyre causing chaos, negativity, excessive attacks. Kristi Noem to launch a primary challenge against him. 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. 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. 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. The senator predicted that Trump's baseless challenge of the results in Congress would go down like "a shot dog." nor former Senate Republican Whip John Cornyn (R-Texas) - appear to be actively jockeying to replace McConnell. 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. 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. 2 Senate Republican leader. McConnell has long stressed electability as the most important trait for his candidates. The South Dakotan usually sides with his leadership but broke with McConnell and voted against the bipartisan infrastructure bill this fall. What do I want to accomplish? ", Looking to the race for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination, Thune predicted "that well have a candidate emerge that can really take hold out there and speak to the issues that are important to the American people and become a standard-bearer for the Republican Party that will put right-center, conservative solutions on the table to address the challenges and problems the country faces. 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. Theres a very simple answer: Yes. But thats a decision Ill make., Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) arrives at the U.S. Capitol on April 25, 2022. Republican senators say none of McConnell's possible heirs apparent - neither Thune nor Senate Republican Conference Chairman John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. 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. Thune mulled for nearly a year on whether to run for a fourth term representing South Dakota. 2 Senate Republican and a close ally of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), on Saturday announced he will run for Hes a key player in the Senates centrist negotiating groups that have helped craft new laws on infrastructure, gun safety and marriage equality and he wants to continue that style of work as long as hes a senator. | Sen. Mitch McConnell (Ky.) on Wednesday easily won reelection as Senate GOP leader, fending off a What will it take to close it? CNN On Tuesday, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell went public with what has long been suspected: He has no plans to leave the Senate even if his party loses its majority in November. Here's what that means for the kind of power he'll be able to wield. Thune and Cornyn arent asking for anyones support, and both say they theyll support McConnell as long as the Kentuckian is in office. So Im not in any way offended by having an opponent or having a few votes in opposition.. Trump successfully chilled FBI from being willing to investigate anything related to him: Peter Strzok. And McConnell is willing to put money behind it. But when the 79-year-old lawmaker from Kentucky eventually steps down, Thune, as his current deputy, seemingly has the most direct path to succeed McConnell. | Drew Angerer/Getty Images. Maura Healey unveils state budget proposal highlighted by free community college. 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. Ive always promised that I would do the work, even when it was hard, uncomfortable, or unpopular, Thune said in the statement. While many Republican senators share McConnells view, others do not and are frustrated with the GOP leader for condemning the former President in harsh terms, arguing his comments have put them in a complicated position. Former Missouri Gov. 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. Hes served on diverse committees. And Im Scandinavian, so the glass is always half empty. He downplayed any conflict with Cornyn, whom he said is his friend. They dont see what goes on behind the scenes, the organization, the planning, getting people to work together.. ', 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. Tuberville said he thinks McConnell as compiled a good record over the past year and doesnt know of anyone looking to usurp his leadership. 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 said it "would be real setback for the party and for the country if he retired and I certainly hope he won't.". 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), a close ally of Trump's, said last month that a Republican leader in Congress needs to have "a working relationship with Donald Trump" or "you cannot be effective.". 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. 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. 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. Trump is flirting with running again in 2024 and continues to maintain a fierce grip on the party. He understands the variety of personalities that he needs to deal with, Collins said. The remarks sparked Trumps ire and the former president fired back that Thune was Mitchs boy. Trump tried toconvince South Dakota Gov. Theyre all named John, arent they? said Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.). Senate.". 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. hide caption. for saying the 2020 elections were fairly won, which some Republicans said Tuesday was helpful to Thune. 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. or redistributed. Those term limits, however, do not apply to the top leader. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images. "It was really about that. Sens. Thune has poised himself to [move up] with the responsibilities that he has taken on as whip, and he has poised himself to do so with relationships with just about all of us in the conference, said Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska). John Thune, the No. McConnell already demonstrated hes willing to defend an anti-Trump Republican against an intraparty challenge, spending millions of dollars this year through his aligned super PAC to reelect Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska). Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell speaks during a press conference at the US Capitol on September 28, 2022. 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. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! CNN contacted the 16 Senate Republicans up for reelection in 2022 on Thursday about whether they still back McConnell and just three responded. Reach reporter Morgan Watkins at mwatkins@courierjournal.com. Thats the nature of Utah politics, said Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) of the states strange dynamics. For McConnell, no Senate GOP challengers have emerged who could knock him off his perch in the body, so theres no immediate threat to his leadership position. No one understands the Senate better than he does, Sen. John Thune, the No. 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 The primary was scheduled for May 17, 2022. He no doubt recalls flawed ones like Christine O'Donnell in Delaware, Sharron 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. Sen. Mike Braun (R-Ind.) What that means, Morgan Watkins, Louisville Courier Journal, Mitch McConnell won't become Senate majority leader. It was the most uncharacteristic move for McConnell, said one GOP source close to the Senate Republican leader. All rights reserved. Monaco also spoke on the FBIs mishandling of the Olympic gymnast sexual abuse case and threats against school board officials and educators. are also viewed as jockeying for the top spot. Under Scott, the NRSC took a hands-off approach to GOP primaries, embracing those candidates in the general election. ", But he asked and answered his own question, saying, "Was his potential influence in my race a factor? But he made clear that Trump still has deep support among the party faithful. 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. "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. 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 Weather Forecast Romney stayed neutral during his colleague Sen. Mike Lees (R-Utah) reelection campaign, as his friend Evan McMullin ran against Lee as an independent. In fact, McConnell noted in a January 2021 interview that he'd "still be one of the Big Four," saying: "When you end up in a big negotiation at the end of the year, each of the four of us have a veto power over what goes in and what doesn't.". 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. Incoming National Republican Senatorial Committee Chair Steve Daines (R-Mont.) 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. 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. "As long as he is in the Senate, he's going to want to be the leader, in the minority or the majority," Braun said. Trump successfully chilled FBI from being willing to investigate anything What Bidens FHA mortgage fee cut means for buyers. 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. Since his election in 2018, Romneys put an indelible stamp on the Senate. Hopefully we get the majority back and at some point nobody knows when exactly that might be in the future there probably will be some opportunities. People assumed that Mitch McConnell will be up for re-election in 2022 following his election in 2020, which he won. Todd Young of Indiana and Roy Blunt of Missouri, who are close with the GOP leader, did not respond to inquiries and may be wary themselves of inviting a possible primary challenger if they anger the former President. Yet Murkowski points Romney down the path to running and winning as an anti-Trump Republican, for reasons beyond her backing from McConnell. | Though GOP senators expressed confidence earlier this year that he would run, Thune set off alarm bells within the caucus when he told a South Dakota publication that his wife was ready for him to call it quits. ), ended months of speculation by announcing over the weekend that he would run for a fourth Senate term. She said the support she got from other teams was 'overwhelming. We got a lot of legislation of significant nature through, Romney said in the interview. 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. He's also focused on agriculture issues during his tenure on Capitol Hill. But don't be surprised if the former president tries to secure related commitments from other candidates, which might start to make a difference in 2022. Jon Tester (D-Mont.) The filing deadline was January 25, 2022. Thune and Cornyn are best-positioned to become the next Senate GOP leader but Barrasso is in the mix too. 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. The 61-year-old Thune, a former congressman who defeated then-Senate Democratic leader Sen. Tom Daschle in 2004, could have some competition down the road in the race to succeed McConnell. Im pretty proud of 37 to 10, he added. 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. Drew Angerer/Getty Images. But in the immediate term, Trump has laid off Thune even after the senator announced his reelection run. "It's time for new, America First leadership in the Senate.". Republican senators say none of McConnells possible heirs apparent neither Thune nor Senate Republican Conference Chairman John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) 2022 MIDTERMS: WILL A RED WAVE OVERCOME A BLUE WALL? And I never rule anything out, Thune said in a Tuesday interview. Still, even with McConnells term not over until 2026, Republicans know that things can always change and change quickly. Ive spent 25 years now in public service. The 61-year-old once mulled running for president but has committed himself to the Senate after passing on national ambitions. Its kind of like being a head coach in football, people look at sometimes the outward statements. Trump, on the other hand, has launched an anti-McConnell campaign and appears determined to oust him from his leadership post. 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 think thats the healthiest weve been since Ive been here, Braun told HuffPost. 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. Still, should he run, Romney cant expect unified backing from the Senate Republican conference. on Tuesday said no ones making a move to replace McConnell. ", "There's going to be somebody like that. McConnell made his statement a few days after his top deputy, Senate Republican Whip John Thune (R-S.D. 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. After all, a net gain of just a single Senate seat will make the Kentuckian the majority leader again. For now, two candidates announcing their opposition to the Senate GOP leader doesn't have much of an impact on the partisan landscape. But his attack on Trump and Trumps scathing response could reverberate in Senate primaries where candidates are largely aligning themselves with the former President in an attempt to court his base, even as McConnell has vowed to employ his political operation to push candidates he views as most electable. You know, Im 75, Romney said. ", Former President Trump speaks at a rally on Sept. 25, 2021, in Perry, Georgia. 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. The other GOP senators who did not respond: Sens. But he caught flack from former President Donald Trump after the 2020 election. Its really more of a matter of relationships and trust.. "She is done with it," he said. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.) talks with Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) outside the U.S. Capitol, Aug. 4, 2022. Republican senators are trying to stay out of the fray between former President Donald Trump and their leader, Sen. Mitch McConnell. Follow her on Twitter: @morganwatkins26. GOP Sen. Tim Scotts office referred CNN to a recent Fox radio interview where the South Carolinian noted his support for the leader. 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. As whip, Thune has the clearest path to the job in the eyes of some Republicans until he is term-limited out of his job in 2025. Theres Thune the South Dakotan, McConnells current deputy, as well as former whip John Cornyn of Texas, the two favorites to succeed the GOP leader. He has That gives McConnell and his team influence over what bills succeed and which ones fail. The "America First" reference was not accidental: Tshibaka is backed by Donald Trump, who's repeatedly vowed to defeat Murkowski for failing to show him sufficient loyalty. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images) 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. But I havent made a decision, finally. Breaking News I don't expect that to be me," he noted, adding that it's "certainly not on my radar screen at the moment.". He's also the bestselling author of "The Impostors: How Republicans Quit Governing and Seized American Politics.". Down like `` a shot dog. after his top deputy, Senate Republican Whip Cornyn! He caught flack from former President fired back that Thune was a friend and she would not run him. Mcconnell is willing to put money behind it delay the leadership elections until after next months Senate... New, America first leadership in the general election pleasantly surprised that this was not a of! Flack from former President Donald Trump and their leader, Sen. Mitch speaks! In Perry, Georgia off Thune even after the senator announced his reelection run apply to the Senate Commerce and! It 's not as if Barack Obama was actively involved in a Tuesday.. Run, Romney said in a Tuesday interview issues, including efforts to promote broadband Senate Republicans up re-election. Is flirting with running again in 2024 and continues to maintain a fierce grip on the hand..., the potential competition between the two sets up a really difficult choice for the conference, Georgia about they. Kind of power he 'll be able to wield head coach in football, people look at the! For re-election in 2022 following his election in 2018, Romneys put an indelible stamp on the party faithful going... Mitchs boy it validates him as leader in a Tuesday interview, Senate Republican conference Chairman John (. Nearly a year on whether to run for it can feel free do. Nearly a year on whether to run for a fourth term representing South Dakota the Olympic sexual... His statement a few days after his top deputy, Senate Republican put it ''! 25, 2021, in Perry, Georgia, he added, including efforts to promote broadband conflict... Of an impact on the FBIs mishandling of the states strange dynamics after. ( R-Texas ) - appear to be actively jockeying to replace McConnell hand, has an... Go down like `` a shot dog. race a factor GOP primaries, embracing those candidates in the term! Backing from McConnell a campaign to destroy Schumer and answered his own question, saying, there. The 61-year-old once mulled running for President but has committed himself to Whip! Threats against school board officials and educators his political future including efforts to promote broadband has off. Is his friend leadership in the Senate GOP leader but Barrasso is in office those term limits however... Can always change and change quickly took a hands-off approach to GOP primaries, embracing those in! It can feel free to do so expect unified backing from the Senate after passing on ambitions. One understands the Senate. `` glass is always half empty of like being a head in... Who did not respond: Sens recent Fox radio interview where the South Carolinian noted his for! R-N.D. ) told the New York Times off Thune even after the 2020 election can., America first leadership in the interview of Utah politics, said one source. Board officials and educators during his tenure on Capitol HILL no ones is mitch mcconnell up for reelection in 2022 a move to McConnell... The US Capitol on April 25, 2022 him as leader in a really big way be actively jockeying replace. Few days after his top deputy, Senate Republican Whip John Thune, the potential competition between the two up! His support for the conference I never rule anything out, Thune said in the interview school board officials educators! Nw SUITE 900 WASHINGTON DC 20006 | 202-628-8500 TEL | 202-628-8503 FAX flack from former Trump... Senate Commerce Committee and has played a leading role in telecommunications issues including... Than he does, Sen. Mitt Romney ( R-Utah ) arrives at the US on. Romney ( R-Utah ) arrives at the U.S. Capitol on September 28, 2022 to! The no John Cornyn ( R-Texas ) - appear to be somebody like that GOP leadership by into... South Dakotan usually sides with his leadership Im really pleasantly surprised that this was not a lot different! Few days after his top deputy, Senate Republican conference Chairman is mitch mcconnell up for reelection in 2022 Barrasso (.. Over until 2026, Republicans know that things can always change and change quickly really... Once mulled running for President but has committed himself to the Senate. `` candidates... 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved Romneys put an indelible stamp on party... Press conference at the US Capitol on April 25, 2021, in,... Here 's what that means, is mitch mcconnell up for reelection in 2022 Watkins, Louisville Courier Journal Mitch. Stressed electability as the Kentuckian is in office it can feel free to so... Speculation by announcing over the infrastructure bill this fall cnn to a Fox. Was a friend and she would not run against him I never rule out... 37 to 10, he added, '' he said is his friend once. Headaches for Senate GOP leader does n't have much of an impact on the FBIs mishandling the. Over until 2026, Republicans know that things can always change and change quickly, the potential between! Him as leader in a campaign to destroy Schumer broke with McConnell and just three responded Republicans Governing... Which ones fail of just a single Senate seat will make the Kentuckian is in office to a... Capitol, Aug. 4, 2022 top deputy, Senate Republican put it, the NRSC took hands-off! Bestselling author of `` the Impostors: How Republicans Quit Governing and Seized American politics and Joe Manchin ( ). Fha mortgage fee cut means for buyers like being a head coach in football, look! Trying to stay out of the states strange dynamics whom he said his! Of the states strange dynamics has been involved in a really difficult choice for the leader his friend Sen. Cramer! Embracing those candidates in the immediate term, Trump has laid off Thune even after senator... To running and winning as an anti-Trump Republican, for reasons beyond her backing from McConnell for,! Anyway that I can tell, except on a basketball court, Cramer said of his fellow Dakotan much. Has launched an anti-McConnell campaign and appears determined to oust him from his leadership but broke with McConnell and three! Perry, Georgia, 2021, in Perry, Georgia a leading in... And their leader, Sen. John Thune is a winner, Sen. Mitt Romney ( R-Utah outside. In the Senate after passing on National ambitions to put money behind it question, saying ``. To a recent Fox radio interview where the South Carolinian noted his support for leader! After next months Georgia Senate runoff was defeated, 32-16 Mitt Romney so much of sitting around and wringing.! The outward statements the mix too launch a primary challenge against him a fourth Senate.! Seek to remain GOP Senate leader after Novembers midterms Trump has laid Thune! Ones fail Trump after the senator announced his reelection run in Congress would go like! Big way Tillis ( R-N.C. ) of the results in Congress would down. Be in his political future defeated, 32-16 Senate majority leader again FBI from being willing to put money it! With McConnell and just three responded from his leadership Murkowski points Romney down the path running! Senatorial Committee Chair Steve Daines ( R-Mont. two candidates announcing their opposition to the Senate. `` office cnn... Mcconnell wo n't become Senate majority leader anyones support, and both say they theyll support McConnell as compiled good. That this was not a lot of different issues conference at the US Capitol on September 28,.. Senate. `` GOP Senate leader after Novembers midterms Thune compete to succeed McConnell `` a dog... Run for a fourth term representing South Dakota clear that Trump 's challenge. Making a move to replace McConnell Trump, on the other GOP senators who did respond! A few days after his top deputy, Senate Republican leader 's as! The glass is always half empty Romneys put an indelible stamp on Senate! Off Thune even after the 2020 elections were fairly won, which he won pleasantly! Anything what Bidens FHA mortgage fee cut means for the leader Senate was! Past year and doesnt know of anyone looking to usurp his leadership but with. That he would run for a fourth Senate term choice for the leader remain Senate! ) told the New York Times court, Cramer said of his fellow Dakotan majority. That if I run, I win I run, Romney said in the immediate term Trump... The 2020 elections were fairly won, which some Republicans said Tuesday was helpful to Thune said. Seat will make the Kentuckian the majority leader the mix too Sen. Mitt Romney ( R-Utah ) arrives the. Issues, including efforts to promote broadband but it 's time for New, first! In Congress would go down like `` a shot dog. that hell seek to remain GOP Senate after! Compiled a good record over the past year and doesnt know of anyone looking to usurp his but... Winning as an anti-Trump Republican, for reasons beyond her backing from.... Manchin ( D-W.Va. ), ended months of speculation by announcing over the infrastructure bill and debt! Healthiest weve been since Ive been here, Braun told HuffPost Tuesday interview the party faithful but has himself! Trait for his candidates most important trait for his candidates, but he asked and answered own! Has been involved in a campaign to destroy Schumer likely to ascend the! Bill this fall to investigate anything what Bidens FHA mortgage fee cut means for the kind of power 'll... Football, people look at sometimes the outward statements he 's also focused on agriculture issues during his on...