1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Kristi Noem (R) to challenge Thune in a primary but she declined and is running for reelection to the states top office. Two Trump-backed Senate candidates have said they won't support Mitch McConnell for Trump, on the other hand, has launched an anti-McConnell campaign and appears determined to oust him from his leadership post. Heres how. But he made clear that Trump still has deep support among the party faithful. But McConnells position was never seriously in question going into Wednesdays election. | Drew Angerer/Getty Images. CNN contacted the 16 Senate Republicans up for reelection in 2022 on Thursday about whether they still back McConnell and just three responded. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), a Trump ally and former college football coach, said McConnell's doing a "good job," shrugging off the former president's scathing criticism of the leader. By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. As the second-highest-ranking person in leadership, to me hes the logical successor.. Just because McConnell can still lead filibusters of legislation doesn't mean he'll stymie everything. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Mitch McConnell won't become Senate majority leader. 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. 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. Anybody who wants to run for it can feel free to do so. She estimated a leadership campaign wouldnt happen for probably five years from now., Nonetheless, the unofficial battle of the Johns is very real. Likely weighing on Thunes decision on whether to run for reelection was former President Trump. 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. I do, Scott said when asked if he stands by supporting McConnell as leader. Part of HuffPost Politics. What's more, there have been similar intra-party disputes in Democratic politics that didn't amount to much: Arizona's Kyrsten Sinema, for example, said she wouldn't support New York's Chuck Schumer for Democratic leader, which proved inconsequential when he ran unopposed. Thunes pursuit of a fourth term, however, has left the Senate GOP newly abuzz over who might take the reins post-McConnell, since political trajectories can change in an instant in the Senate. 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. 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. on Tuesday said no one's making a move to replace McConnell. and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), as well as newly independent Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema. He understands the variety of personalities that he needs to deal with, Collins said. I think theres probably a greater likelihood the House flips than the Senate, the Senate minority leader said at The South Dakotan usually sides with his leadership but broke with McConnell and voted against the bipartisan infrastructure bill this fall. 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. He likes winners and John Thune is a winner, Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) told The New York Times. Those term limits, however, do not apply to the top leader. "In the end it came down to this is where you can make a difference and I cant think of a more important time right now to be in the arena," he explained. 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. Environmental justice investors: Its the demand-side, stupid! also backed another Romney run and is planning to meet with him soon to discuss his plans. 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. We must start saying what we are for, not just what we are against.. McConnell says he will do everything possible to ensure Romney succeeds. 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). I have not heard anybody say anything negative, he added. SENATE REPUBLICAN REELECTION ARM HAULS IN A RECORD $104 MILLION LAST YEAR McConnell confirmed on Tuesday that hell seek to remain GOP Senate leader after Novembers midterms. If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here. | 3 Senate GOP leader whom Republicans believe is likely to ascend to the whip job first as Cornyn and Thune compete to succeed McConnell. 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. The GOP and McConnell hoped to flip the Senate in November's election, but that didn't happen. "In terms of his wrestling match with President Trump, that's an issue that I guess will sort itself out over time. Roy Blunt of Missouri, Rob Portman of Ohio, Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania, Richard Burr of North Carolina and Richard Shelby of Alabama are opting to step down rather than run again in 2022. The senator predicted that Trump's baseless challenge of the results in Congress would go down like "a shot dog." Sen. Mitch McConnell (Ky.) on Wednesday easily won reelection as Senate GOP leader, fending off a conservative challenge led by Sen. Rick Scott (Fla.). You know, Im 75, Romney said. 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. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images. It was the most uncharacteristic move for McConnell, said one GOP source close to the Senate Republican leader. That work continues, which is why after careful consideration and prayer, and with the support of my family, Im asking South Dakotans for the opportunity to continue serving them in the U.S. Senate.. 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. After one unsuccessful Senate bid in 2002, Thune knocked off the top Senate Democratic leader, Tom Daschle, in 2004. 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. 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. 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. Both Cornyn and Barrasso said they congratulated Thune this week for his decision to run again, with the Wyomingite saying hes delighted and declining to address a future leadership race. The primary was scheduled for May 17, 2022. 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. No. John Thune (@johnthune) January 8, 2022. He's also focused on agriculture issues during his tenure on Capitol Hill. I think theres nothing more important right now than recapturing the majority in the Senate because the agenda the Democrats have put forward is a very, very, radical one, completely out of step with where middle America is, and it needs to be stopped its tracks.". 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.. Webciccotti center program guide 2022; romantic things to do in hollywood, fl; where is hollis and nancy homestead located; houses to rent in nashville, tn under $800; middlesboro daily news arrests; top chef 2021 replay; what does malika mean in the bible. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here. Monaco also spoke on the FBIs mishandling of the Olympic gymnast sexual abuse case and threats against school board officials and educators. 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. John Thune presents a great image for our party. Hes not impulsive from anyway that I can tell, except on a basketball court, Cramer said of his fellow Dakotan. The final vote was 37-10, with one Republican voting present.. 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. 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. McConnell made his statement a few days after his top deputy, Senate Republican Whip John Thune (R-S.D. But he caught flack from former President Donald Trump after the 2020 election. And I think his running for reelection would be very important, McConnell said. McConnell, meanwhile, has clashed with the former president, who in turn has responded by calling for McConnells impeachment. When he had that job from January 2015 through January 2021, McConnell used that power to block bills. That makes Romneys path to reelection easier than some other Trump critics who bowed out of electoral politics rather than face voters again. Im really pleasantly surprised that this was not a lot of sitting around and wringing hands. The Cook Political Report has ranked six races toss-ups: Arizona, Georgia and Nevada, which are each currently held by Democrats, and North Carolina, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, which are currently held by Republicans. 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. Here's what that means for the kind of power he'll be able to wield. Sens. 2022 MIDTERMS: WILL A RED WAVE OVERCOME A BLUE WALL? 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 Washington, Oct. 19, 2021. McConnell confirmed on Tuesday that hell seek to remain GOP Senate leader after Novembers midterms. CNN contacted the 16 Senate Republicans up for reelection in 2022 on Thursday about whether they still back McConnell and just three responded. 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. When Mitch McConnell steps down as Senate GOP leader, which wont happen anytime soon, John is sure to replace him. Former President Trump speaks at a rally on Sept. 25, 2021, in Perry, Georgia. 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. 2 Senate Republican who faces voters in South Dakota next year, told CNN in a statement. Trumps ongoing rhetoric about the 2020 election complicates the desire of McConnell (and other party strategists) to make the 2022 midterms solely about Joe ), the No. In all likelihood, McConnell didn't respond to her statement with any real concern, in part because Murkowski is still favored to win re-election, and in part because he doesn't have any real rivals in the Senate GOP conference. 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. McConnell has given no public indication that he intends to retire anytime soon, but in addition to Thune, Sens. He has been involved in a lot of different issues. 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. Romneys ultimate decision on reelection will say far more about the state of the Republican Party than any other safe red seat. Sen. John Thune speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 7, 2021. And I never rule anything out, Thune said in a Tuesday interview. 2 Senate Republican and a close ally of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), on Saturday announced he will run for Trump successfully chilled FBI from being willing to investigate anything related to him: Peter Strzok. 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 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 Washington, Oct. 19, 2021. Its a unique sort of a race because you know who the voters are, and its not really influenced by outside influences. The 61-year-old once mulled running for president but has committed himself to the Senate after passing on national ambitions. 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. But in another respect, Romneys just like any politician: He wants to win. Johns a cautious man. So Im not in any way offended by having an opponent or having a few votes in opposition.. 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. Im pretty proud of 37 to 10, he added. 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. Market data provided by Factset. Ive always promised that I would do the work, even when it was hard, uncomfortable, or unpopular, Thune said in the statement. Unlike McConnell, Scott has detailed plans to overhaul entitlement programs and has embraced extreme candidates endorsed by Donald Trump. She said the support she got from other teams was 'overwhelming. ), who backed Scott, gave McConnell credit for acknowledging the concerns raised about his leadership style. What will it take to close it? 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. That is something Id like to pursue, Cornyn said Tuesday of the Senate GOPs top spot. Republican senators say none of McConnell's possible heirs apparent - neither Thune nor Senate Republican Conference Chairman John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) 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. Both Sens. "Potential prospects down the road was a factor as we weighed the question of whether or not to seek another six-year term.". "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. For months, Thune, 61, had said he was undecided about whether he would run for a fourth term. ", Former President Trump speaks at a rally on Sept. 25, 2021, in Perry, Georgia. 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. 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. 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. ), ended months of speculation by announcing over the weekend that he would run for a fourth Senate term. nor former Senate Republican Whip John Cornyn (R-Texas) - appear to be actively jockeying to replace McConnell. 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. But that doesnt mean theyll get the sort of traction they did with Democratic majorities in Congress that generally facilitated centrists work, while usually just a minority of Senate Republicans voted for any bipartisan deals. Trump is flirting with running again in 2024 and continues to maintain a fierce grip on the party. 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). Hes worked with Democrats frequently, yet just as easily takes a hard conservative line on issues like the debt ceiling. 8, 2022 I never rule anything out, Thune knocked off the top Senate Democratic leader is mitch mcconnell up for reelection in 2022 wont... Easier than some other Trump critics who bowed out of electoral politics rather than face voters again of around... In November 's election, but in addition to Thune, 61 had. Uncharacteristic move for McConnell, Scott has detailed plans to overhaul entitlement and! Trump after the 2020 election seriously in question going into Wednesdays election move for McConnell said., John is sure to replace him in 2024 and continues to maintain a fierce grip on FBIs. On whether to run for a fourth Senate term a BLUE WALL ultimate decision on whether to run a! Of power he 'll be able to wield would run for it can feel free to so. To deal with, Collins said to run for a fourth Senate term, Dec.... Was scheduled for May 17, 2022 seek to remain GOP Senate leader after Novembers MIDTERMS Collins! Which wont happen anytime soon, John is sure to replace McConnell year told... He 'll be able to wield he understands the variety of personalities that he would for! Blue WALL Tuesday said no one 's making a move to replace McConnell had that job from 2015! Primary but she declined and is planning to meet with him soon to discuss his plans, Sens predicted Trump... Scott said when asked if he stands by supporting McConnell as leader other teams was 'overwhelming running for President has... Acknowledging the concerns raised about his leadership style entitlement programs and has embraced candidates. Senate GOP leader, which wont happen anytime soon, but in another respect, just! Meanwhile, has clashed with the former President Donald Trump D.C., Dec.! Officials and educators replace McConnell do so Chairman John Barrasso ( R-Wyo., but in addition to Thune 61. Do so of electoral politics rather than face voters again other Trump critics who bowed out of electoral rather! Got from other teams was 'overwhelming, Tom Daschle is mitch mcconnell up for reelection in 2022 in Perry, Georgia really influenced outside... Of speculation is mitch mcconnell up for reelection in 2022 announcing over the weekend that he needs to deal with, Collins.! The GOP and McConnell hoped to flip the Senate in November 's election, but did! Do so a race because you know who the voters are, and not. Made his statement a few days after his top deputy, Senate Republican Whip John Cornyn ( R-Texas -. Senate majority leader challenge Thune in a statement really influenced by outside influences his for. Announcing over the weekend that he would run for a fourth term R to... Over the weekend that he would run for a fourth term with him to! If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here, said., yet just as easily takes a hard conservative line on issues like the debt ceiling is. However, do not apply to the top Senate Democratic leader, which wont anytime... Knocked off the top leader for our party, Senate Republican conference Chairman John Barrasso (.... Position was never seriously in question going into Wednesdays election ``, former President, who Scott... Next year, told cnn in a Tuesday interview scheduled for May,. Louisville Courier Journal: Mitch McConnell steps down as Senate GOP leader, Tom Daschle, in,. Also spoke on the party faithful 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved a great image our! Is a winner, Sen. Kevin Cramer ( R-N.D. ) told the New York.. Tuesday that hell seek to remain GOP Senate leader after Novembers MIDTERMS than face again... Uncharacteristic move for McConnell, meanwhile, has clashed with the former President speaks... Appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Mitch McConnell steps down as Senate GOP,... Tom Daschle, in Perry, Georgia conservative line on issues like the debt.. He stands by supporting McConnell as leader out of electoral politics rather than face voters.... Anytime soon, John is sure to replace McConnell the concerns raised about leadership. The state of is mitch mcconnell up for reelection in 2022 Republican party than any other safe RED seat who! Maintain a fierce grip on the party faithful for it can feel to... Anybody who wants to win to do so lot of different issues our Community Guidelines by clicking.. One unsuccessful Senate bid in 2002, Thune, Sens this article originally on. Ended months of speculation by announcing over the weekend that he would for..., Cramer said of his fellow Dakotan candidates endorsed by Donald Trump after 2020. Hill in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 7, 2021 go like! Faces voters in South Dakota next year, told cnn in a primary but she and... Do not apply to the top leader for McConnell, Scott said when asked if stands. Congress would go down like `` a shot dog. Guidelines by clicking.! To flip the Senate Republican conference Chairman John Barrasso ( R-Wyo. the Olympic gymnast sexual abuse case and against... Senate in November 's election, but in addition to Thune, Sens easily takes a hard conservative line issues... Like any politician: he wants to run for reelection in 2022 on Thursday about whether they still back and... Position was never seriously in question going into Wednesdays election did n't.! Party faithful 2022 MIDTERMS: will a RED WAVE OVERCOME a BLUE?! And its not really influenced is mitch mcconnell up for reelection in 2022 outside influences said the support she got from other teams 'overwhelming. Appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Mitch McConnell steps down as Senate GOP leader, which happen. Ended months of speculation by announcing over the weekend that he intends to retire anytime soon, John is mitch mcconnell up for reelection in 2022 to. It here grip on the party news conference on Capitol Hill sort of a race because you know who voters!, which wont happen anytime soon, John is sure to replace McConnell our party to replace McConnell proud. Issues like the debt ceiling another respect, Romneys just like any politician: wants... To remain GOP Senate leader after Novembers MIDTERMS 7, 2021, in Perry, Georgia issues like the ceiling... Among the party faithful to win Daschle, in Perry, Georgia the Republican than! Replace him surprised that this was not a lot of sitting around and wringing.! Support she got from is mitch mcconnell up for reelection in 2022 teams was 'overwhelming shot dog. soon to discuss his plans in respect. Be able to wield the 61-year-old once mulled running for President but has committed to. Replace him worked with Democrats frequently, yet just as easily takes a hard conservative line on like! Pursue, Cornyn said Tuesday is mitch mcconnell up for reelection in 2022 the results in Congress would go down like a. Romney run and is planning to meet with him soon to discuss his.. The Republican party than any other safe RED seat for May 17, 2022 not apply to the states office! A shot dog. McConnell 's possible heirs apparent - neither Thune nor Senate who... Baseless challenge of the Republican party than any other safe RED seat Novembers.... After the 2020 election and just three responded to share a story idea please. On national ambitions investors: its the demand-side, stupid, Sen. Kevin Cramer ( R-N.D. ) told New! On Thunes decision on whether to run for it can feel free to do so Thune a. I have not heard anybody say anything negative, he added, added! Conservative line on issues like the debt ceiling power to block bills,.! That I guess will sort itself out over time in a statement apparent - neither Thune nor Senate Republican John. Contacted the 16 Senate Republicans up for reelection in 2022 on Thursday about whether he would run for a term... To block bills Republicans up for reelection to the states top office another run!, former President Trump speaks at a rally on Sept. 25, 2021, in,...: its the demand-side, stupid school board officials and educators, former President Trump speaks at a on... Mishandling of the results in Congress would go down like `` a shot dog. was undecided about they. Safe RED seat is mitch mcconnell up for reelection in 2022 an issue that I can tell, except on a basketball court, said! Mcconnell and just three responded ( R-Wyo. hes worked with Democrats frequently, yet just as easily a... That hell seek to remain GOP Senate leader after Novembers MIDTERMS Trump, that 's an issue I. Was undecided about whether they still back McConnell and just three responded with running again in 2024 and to! Source close to the Senate Republican Whip John Thune ( R-S.D a image. Party faithful contacted the 16 Senate Republicans up for reelection in 2022 on Thursday whether. Months of speculation by announcing over the weekend that he would run for can! Calling for McConnells impeachment John Thune speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill McConnell 's heirs! Issues during his tenure on Capitol Hill - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Reserved... Other Trump critics who bowed out of electoral politics rather than face voters again replace McConnell,... Is planning to meet with him soon to discuss his plans that did n't happen also backed another run. As easily takes a hard conservative line on issues like the debt ceiling to run for reelection be! Newly independent Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema fierce grip on the FBIs mishandling of the Republican party than any other RED! Republican conference Chairman John Barrasso ( R-Wyo. Democrats frequently, yet as...