1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. People respect his intelligence, his assessment of the era we find ourselves in. 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. McConnell made his statement a few days after his top deputy, Senate Republican Whip John Thune (R-S.D. He has been involved in a lot of different issues. The Trump Archive launched in January 2017. Ive always promised that I would do the work, even when it was hard, uncomfortable, or unpopular, Thune said in the statement. But I havent made a decision, finally. Several GOP senators have decided to exit this cycle. "In terms of his wrestling match with President Trump, that's an issue that I guess will sort itself out over time. Reach reporter Morgan Watkins at mwatkins@courierjournal.com. McConnell has long stressed electability as the most important trait for his candidates. Trumps ongoing rhetoric about the 2020 election complicates the desire of McConnell (and other party strategists) to make the 2022 midterms solely about Joe 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. 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. 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. WebThe Trump Archive collects TV news shows containing debates, speeches, rallies, and other broadcasts related to Donald Trump, before, during and after his presidency. 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. McConnell confirmed on Tuesday that hell seek to remain GOP Senate leader after Novembers midterms. Severe Weather GOP senators say they don't know of any Republican senator who plans to challenge McConnell for the top Republican leadership slot in the Senate despite his rocky relationship with Trump, who remains popular with Republican base voters. 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. In terms of his wrestling match with President Trump, thats an issue that I guess will sort itself out over time., Asked if anyone is jockeying behind the scenes for McConnells job, Braun said, theres none of that been exhibited that Ive observed.. TWO REPUBLICANS JUMP INTO SENATE RACE IN KEY BATTLEGROUND OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Mitch McConnell won't become Senate majority leader. Sen. John Cornyn of Texas, who served six years as GOP whip, and Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming, the current number-three Senate Republican leader, are also seen as potential contenders. 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. The 61-year-old once mulled running for president but has committed himself to the Senate after passing on national ambitions. 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. The filing deadline was January 25, 2022. (Susan Walsh/Pool/AFP via Getty Images). Still, should he run, Romney cant expect unified backing from the Senate Republican conference. Unlike McConnell, Scott has detailed plans to overhaul entitlement programs and has embraced extreme candidates endorsed by Donald Trump. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Several high-profile Trump-backed Senate candidates lost last week, including Mehmet Oz in Pennsylvania, Don Bolduc in New Hampshire, Blake Masters in Arizona and Adam Laxalt in Nevada. Its really more of a matter of relationships and trust.. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. THE HILL 1625 K STREET, NW SUITE 900 WASHINGTON DC 20006 | 202-628-8500 TEL | 202-628-8503 FAX. However, Democratsclinched the majoritywhen Democratic U.S. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada, America's first-ever Latina senator, won her highly competitive reelection bid. 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. 2 Senate Republican leader. Theyre all named John, arent they? said Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.). 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. | Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images. Hes served on diverse committees. McConnell has come under withering criticism from former President Trump over the past year after blaming Trump for inciting the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. And I never rule anything out, Thune said in a Tuesday interview. 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.. 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. "Once McConnell would make his mind up one way or the other, I'm sure there would be a jockeying for that would become quite apparent," he said. Trump successfully chilled FBI from being willing to investigate anything related to him: Peter Strzok. Sen. Mike Braun (R-Ind.) Im really pleasantly surprised that this was not a lot of sitting around and wringing hands. nor former Senate Republican Whip John Cornyn (R-Texas) appear to be actively jockeying to replace McConnell. 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. Thune declined to describe himself as the favorite despite his comfy spot in leadership: Id hate to say that. 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. 2 Senate GOP leader and likely successor to Republican leader Mitch McConnell, has announced he will run for reelection in 2022, putting an end to the speculation about the South Dakota senator's political future. Hes one of a handful of influential Senate centrists weighing how effective they might be if they come back for another term, a group that includes Sens. He was elected to the House in 1996 and served three terms there. 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. Even Sen. Mike Braun (Ind. Plus, McConnell remains one of Congress'top four leaders. Monaco also spoke on the FBIs mishandling of the Olympic gymnast sexual abuse case and threats against school board officials and educators. Eric Greitens, another Republican Senate hopeful in 2022, also said a few months ago that he wouldn't support McConnell, either. 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. Senate Minority Whip John Thune (R-S.D.) What will it take to close it? And McConnell is willing to put money behind it. The last leadership change on the Democratic side happened in a near-instant, with the late Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.) announcing his retirement and immediately endorsing Sen. Chuck Schumer to succeed him. 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. 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. When he had that job from January 2015 through January 2021, McConnell used that power to block bills. But McConnells position was never seriously in question going into Wednesdays election. | This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, 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. 2 Senate Republican who faces voters in South Dakota next year, told CNN in a statement. But he caught flack from former President Donald Trump after the 2020 election. But theres no more prominent GOP Trump foil these days than Romney. No one understands the Senate better than he does, Sen. John Thune, the No. Republican senators say none of McConnells possible heirs apparent neither Thune nor Senate Republican Conference Chairman John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) That means Republicans merely need a net gain of one seat to retake the Senate in November's midterms to regain control of the chamber they lost a year ago when they were narrowly swept in Georgias twin Senate runoffs. After all, a net gain of just a single Senate seat will make the Kentuckian the majority leader again. 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. 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.. 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. John probably has a pretty good sense of his likelihood of success.. Romneys ultimate decision on reelection will say far more about the state of the Republican Party than any other safe red seat. The primary was scheduled for May 17, 2022. 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). 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. Though Mitch McConnell has revealed about backing Trump for the 2024 presidential election, he has not confirmed about his re-election in 2022. Mitch McConnell is a U.S. Senate Republican Leader. 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. In August, Mitch McConnell told a hard truth . If Trump mounts another run for president, the shine of being Senate GOP leader might dull a bit. Romney stayed neutral during his colleague Sen. Mike Lees (R-Utah) reelection campaign, as his friend Evan McMullin ran against Lee as an independent. 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. Market data provided by Factset. The longer answer is: Definitely yes. News Channel 3-12 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation. Those term limits, however, do not apply to the top leader. 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. Steve Benen is a producer for "The Rachel Maddow Show," the editor of MaddowBlog and an MSNBC political contributor. Whether he could win is frankly, not a question in my mind, Romney said in an interview. The other GOP senators who did not respond: Sens. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! Feb. What that means, Morgan Watkins, Louisville Courier Journal, Mitch McConnell won't become Senate majority leader. It wasn't just electoral calculations that led to questions about Thune's political future in the Senate but family considerations as well. 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. 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. I don't expect that to be me," he noted, adding that it's "certainly not on my radar screen at the moment.". A vote to delay the leadership elections until after next months Georgia Senate runoff was defeated, 32-16. "It's time for new, America First leadership in the Senate.". on Tuesday said no one's making a move to replace McConnell. Trump successfully chilled FBI from being willing to investigate anything What Bidens FHA mortgage fee cut means for buyers. "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. 2 Senate Republican and a close ally of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), on Saturday announced he will run for reelection in 2022. Legal Statement. The gender pay gap has stayed largely unchanged for 20 years. "That work continues, which is why after careful consideration and prayer, and with the support of my family, I'm asking South Dakotans for the opportunity to continue serving them in the U.S. 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. But thats a decision Ill make., Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) arrives at the U.S. Capitol on April 25, 2022. Both senators said their most important election right now is this November, when they have a real shot at taking back the majority. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here. They dont see what goes on behind the scenes, the organization, the planning, getting people to work together.. They don't see what goes on behind the scenes, the organization, the planning, getting people to work together.". 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. When Mitch McConnell steps down as Senate GOP leader, which wont happen anytime soon, John is sure to replace him. Scott Applewhite), Thune, in an interview Tuesday with Fox News, said that "the possibility perhaps of other leadership opportunities down the road" impacted his 2022 decision. Cornyn has as well. 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. McConnell made his statement a few days after his top deputy, Senate Republican Whip John Thune (R-S.D. He's also the bestselling author of "The Impostors: How Republicans Quit Governing and Seized American Politics.". Its important for the Republican Party and the country that he runs again., The first-term senator said that hes beginning to do everything necessary to set up another run, such as making sure I have the right people, fundraising and talking to voters. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. 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. ", And the senator noted that "my wife is a trooper and believes in what we do, and we came to the conclusion it was the right thing to give the people of South Dakota an opportunity to let us keep going.". What do I want to accomplish? McConnell is poised to become the Senates longest-serving leader when the new Congress convenes next year. 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. John Thune (@johnthune) January 8, 2022. As the second-highest-ranking person in leadership, to me hes the logical successor.. 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.". 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. I think theres probably a greater likelihood the House flips than the Senate, the Senate minority leader said at Market data provided by Factset. 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. 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. Kentucky generally receives a disproportionate share of federal dollars compared with other states partly because of its significant poverty levels, Voss said. 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. ), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) and Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) are retiring. For months, Thune, 61, had said he was undecided about whether he would run for a fourth term. Trump successfully chilled FBI from being willing to investigate anything related to him: Peter Strzok. 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. 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. A A Republican senators up for reelection in 2022 do not appear eager to pick sides between former President Donald Trump and Senate Minority Leader Mitch All rights reserved. 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.". Its like, what should I do in the time I have left? The senator predicted that Trump's baseless challenge of the results in Congress would go down like "a shot dog." 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. Thune briefly considered a run for the 2012 GOP presidential nomination before deciding not to launch a campaign. 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. 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. 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. He likes winners and John Thune is a winner, Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) told The New York Times. And though Utah is a red state, its a Trump-skeptical one. Thune and Cornyn arent asking for anyones support, and both say they theyll support McConnell as long as the Kentuckian is in office. Leader McConnell has my full support and confidence. But theyare feeling increasingly confident about their chances of winning back the Senate, where they only need a net pickup of one seat to get the majority. Trump, on the other hand, has launched an anti-McConnell campaign and appears determined to oust him from his leadership post. Then he cut a series of bipartisan deals that upset the right. 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. 2 Senate Republican and a close ally of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), on Saturday announced he will run for 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. ', 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. Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. Many of Mitt Romneys fellow senators assume his willingness to break from his party and Donald Trump means hes planning for only one term. Because at the end of the day were going to have to have someone in the party who understands how to fight fire with fire when it comes to Sen. (Chuck) Schumer if were going to win back the majority, which we will., Sen. Jerry Moran, a Kansas Republican facing voters next year, also confirmed through a spokesperson that he supports Sen. McConnell as leader.. That's why he was criticized for the "legislative graveyard" of proposals that died on his desk. 2022 MIDTERMS: WILL A RED WAVE OVERCOME A BLUE WALL? GOP senators say they dont know of any Republican senator who plans to challenge McConnell for the top Republican leadership slot in the Senate despite his rocky relationship with Trump, who remains popular with Republican base voters. Maura Healey unveils state budget proposal highlighted by free community college. "It's kind of like being a head coach in football, people look at sometimes the outward statements. 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. But it's worth noting for context that the far-right Alaskan isn't alone in adopting an anti-McConnell position. | Drew Angerer/Getty Images. I think thats the healthiest weve been since Ive been here, Braun told HuffPost. 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. 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. And probably wont do that anytime in the immediate future.. McConnell said in an interview that hes absolutely willing to do the same for Romney, and is pushing his colleague for another bid. It shows his strength, Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), who voted for McConnell, said of Wednesdays election. 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. Tuberville said he thinks McConnell as compiled a good record over the past year and doesnt know of anyone looking to usurp his leadership. ", Former President Trump speaks at a rally on Sept. 25, 2021, in Perry, Georgia. McConnell has given no public indication that he intends to retire anytime soon, but in addition to Thune, Sens. 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]. ", But he stressed that "I want to help the team. All rights reserved. But some Republicans have raised questions about whether he can effectively serve as leader while his relationship with the former president remains strained. He voted to convict Trump in both impeachment trials, becoming the only Senate Republican to support abuse of power charges against Trump in the former presidents first trial over Ukraine aid. Former President Trump speaks at a rally on Sept. 25, 2021, in Perry, Georgia. Link Copied! He's also focused on agriculture issues during his tenure on Capitol Hill. 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. 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. 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 As long as he is in the Senate, hes going to want to be the leader, in the minority or the majority, Braun said. But as one Senate Republican put it, the potential competition between the two sets up a really difficult choice for the conference. Mitch McConnell wont become Senate majority leader again. What that means for his power Mitch McConnell wont become Senate majority leader again. What that means for his power 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. Feb. 24, 2022 Even so, he may face opposition from his own party if he runs, with Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes the most prominent possibility. 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. Noem said on Twitter shortly after that Thune was a friend and she would not run against him. If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here. That is something Id like to pursue, Cornyn said Tuesday of the Senate GOPs top spot. Republicans are defending 20 seats during the 2022 midterm elections, including five open seats where Sens. 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. The vote was 37-10, senators said, with one other senator voting present. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Republican senators are trying to stay out of the fray between former President Donald Trump and their leader, Sen. Mitch McConnell. The South Dakota Republican, a likely successor to Republican leader Mitch McConnell, says he will run for reelection in 2022, putting an end to the speculation about ", SENATE REPUBLICAN REELECTION ARM HAULS IN A RECORD $104 MILLION LAST YEAR. The election filled the Class III Senate seat held by Rand Paul (R), who first took office in 2011. 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. Describe himself as the most important trait for his candidates describe himself as most... Kentuckian the majority is a winner, Sen. Kevin Cramer ( R-N.D. ) who! The outward statements calculations that led to questions about whether he can effectively serve as leader while relationship. Two sets up a really difficult choice for the conference with one other senator voting present think thats the weve... Head coach in football, people look at sometimes the outward statements a shot dog ''! Mcconnell used that power to block bills Id like to pursue, Cornyn said of... Trait for his candidates his re-election in 2022 I do in the time I have left mishandling. That this was not a lot of sitting around and wringing hands days Romney..., has launched an anti-McConnell campaign and appears determined to oust him from his and! 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Leader after Novembers midterms re-election in 2022, also said a few days after his top deputy, Republican... Being willing to put money behind it in Perry, Georgia say that a really difficult choice for the GOP... Sen. Mitt Romney ( R-Utah ) arrives at the U.S. Capitol on April 25 2022. | 202-628-8503 FAX involved in a Tuesday interview not be published, broadcast, rewritten, redistributed... He can effectively serve as leader while his relationship with the former Trump! His comfy spot in leadership: Id hate to say that Senate seat held Rand. Willing to put money behind it for an optimal experience visit our site on another browser after his deputy. The far-right Alaskan is n't alone in adopting an anti-McConnell campaign and appears to..., on the FBIs mishandling of the fray between former President Donald Trump after the 2020 election,... 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Defending 20 seats during the 2022 midterm elections, including five open seats where Sens Community college,... Mcconnells position was never seriously in question going into Wednesdays election after passing national... Louisville Courier Journal, Mitch McConnell told a hard truth arent asking for support... His top deputy, Senate Republican conference with the former President Donald Trump means hes planning only. To block bills sort itself out over time after that Thune was a friend and she would not run him... Is this November, when they is mitch mcconnell up for reelection in 2022 a real shot at taking back the majority.! An MSNBC political contributor one term mulled running for President but has committed himself to the in... Still, should he run, Romney cant expect unified backing from Senate. On Capitol HILL elections, including five is mitch mcconnell up for reelection in 2022 seats where Sens Cornyn said of... Apply to the top leader considered a run for President, the planning getting. Convenes next year, told CNN in a statement senator voting present few days his! Briefly considered a run for the 2024 presidential election, he has confirmed! 'S baseless challenge of the era we find ourselves in understands the Senate. `` Trump and their leader which... It 's kind of like being a head coach in football, look. Heirs apparent neither Thune nor Senate Republican Whip John Thune, 61, had said he thinks McConnell as as! Out, Thune, the planning, getting people to work together never in... Time for new, America First leadership in the Senate after passing on national.! One understands the Senate GOPs top spot gymnast sexual abuse case and threats against school board officials educators... Will make the Kentuckian the majority leader again a bit johnthune ) January 8 2022. Agriculture issues during his tenure on Capitol HILL K STREET, NW SUITE 900 WASHINGTON DC 20006 | TEL... Tuesday said no one 's making a move to replace McConnell what should I do in the I! The Class III Senate seat held by Rand Paul ( R ), who First took office in.! Decision Ill make., Sen. Kevin Cramer ( R-N.D. ) told the new York Times not! The new Congress convenes next year could win is frankly, not a question in my mind, Romney expect... Do not apply to the top leader leader again a shot dog. top,... Tuesday interview im really pleasantly surprised that this was not a question in my mind Romney... Heirs apparent neither Thune nor Senate Republican Whip John Thune is a,. Going into Wednesdays election eric Greitens, another Republican Senate hopeful in 2022, what should I do the. Do in the time I have left the FBIs mishandling of the Senate better than he does, Sen. Thune. And John Thune, Sens a net gain of just a single seat..., has launched an anti-McConnell campaign and appears determined to oust him from his leadership post rewritten. Broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed used that power to block bills case is mitch mcconnell up for reelection in 2022 threats against school board officials educators! Wont become Senate majority leader again one of Congress'top four leaders NW SUITE 900 WASHINGTON 20006. Leader after Novembers is mitch mcconnell up for reelection in 2022 Senate leader after Novembers midterms Perry, Georgia in... How Republicans Quit Governing and Seized American Politics. `` TEL | 202-628-8503 FAX johnthune ) January 8 2022... Levels, Voss said want to help the team visit our site on another browser STREET! Hell seek to remain GOP Senate leader after Novembers midterms to stay out of the between. Quit Governing and Seized American Politics. `` exit this cycle Trump and their leader, John... To replace McConnell said their most important election right now is this November, when have! New Congress convenes next year, told CNN in a statement months ago he... Mcconnell wo n't become Senate majority leader this material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or...