Those term limits, however, do not apply to the top leader. 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. "Potential prospects down the road was a factor as we weighed the question of whether or not to seek another six-year term.". His negotiating partner and friend Sinema raved over Romney as he makes up his mind: I do like Mitt Romney so much. Many of Mitt Romneys fellow senators assume his willingness to break from his party and Donald Trump means hes planning for only one term. He's also the bestselling author of "The Impostors: How Republicans Quit Governing and Seized American Politics.". Hes been a really important part of our conference. The conference members then voted for McConnell to lead them again, which will make him the longest-serving Senate party leader when the new Congress convenes in January. 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. Hes served on diverse committees. Thefirst big gun reform billto become federal law since 1994, which Congress passed after a gunman slaughtered 19 children and two teachers in Uvalde, Texas. 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. on Tuesday said no one's making a move to replace McConnell. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Mitch McConnell won't become Senate majority leader. Ive always promised that I would do the work, even when it was hard, uncomfortable, or unpopular, Thune said in the statement. Kentucky generally receives a disproportionate share of federal dollars compared with other states partly because of its significant poverty levels, Voss said. I always tell my colleagues Ill come out for them or against them, which ever helps them the most. Those term limits, however, do not apply to the top leader. and so what comes next? 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. But I havent made a decision, finally. Former Missouri Gov. 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]. ", "There's going to be somebody like that. McConnell has given no public indication that he intends to retire anytime soon, but in addition to Thune, Sens. 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.. What will it take to close it? "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. Heres how. They don't see what goes on behind the scenes, the organization, the planning, getting people to work together.". THE HILL 1625 K STREET, NW SUITE 900 WASHINGTON DC 20006 | 202-628-8500 TEL | 202-628-8503 FAX. CNN contacted the 16 Senate Republicans up for reelection in 2022 on Thursday about whether they still back McConnell and just three responded. But Noem dismissed any bid for Senate and is running for reelection as governor. Still, even with McConnells term not over until 2026, Republicans know that things can always change and change quickly. 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. for saying the 2020 elections were fairly won, which some Republicans said Tuesday was helpful to Thune. The Washington Post found a handful of other GOP candidates including Rep. Mo Brooks, the Trump-backed candidate in Alabama who were noncommittal, refusing to say whether they'd back McConnell or not. 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. 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. But Cornyn, 69, brings his own formidable resume: He ran the National Republican Senatorial Committee for two cycles, served as whip for six years and is still a McConnell confidante at the leaders table of advisers. Even so, he may face opposition from his own party if he runs, with Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes the most prominent possibility. Instead, the former president this week went after Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) "It's time for new, America First leadership in the Senate.". | Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images. 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. 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. McConnell faces increased opposition from 2022 GOP Senate hopefuls. Thune, who as minority whip is the No. Thanks to the filibuster a 60-vote threshold senators must meet to advance most bills Democrats need support from several Republicans, at least, to pass plenty of proposals. While Trump has seemingly moved on from Thune, hes kept up a long-running, largely one-sided, feud with McConnell. 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. McConnell's successful reelection bid in 2020 centered on how he helps his home state "punch above its weight" compared with heavy-hitters like California. | 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. 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.". That's why he was criticized for the "legislative graveyard" of proposals that died on his desk. Im really pleasantly surprised that this was not a lot of sitting around and wringing hands. Thune declined to describe himself as the favorite despite his comfy spot in leadership: Id hate to say that. 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. Sen. John Thune (S.D. No one understands the Senate better than he does, Sen. John Thune, the No. Sen. Mitch McConnell (Ky.) on Wednesday easily won reelection as Senate GOP leader, fending off a ), ended months of speculation by announcing over the weekend that he would run for a fourth Senate term. 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.. It shows his strength, Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), who voted for McConnell, said of Wednesdays election. 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. "I have not heard anybody say anything negative," he added. Trump, on the other hand, has launched an anti-McConnell campaign and appears determined to oust him from his leadership post. That gives McConnell and his team influence over what bills succeed and which ones fail. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell on Monday said he's optimistic about the 2022 midterm elections for Republicans. Thats the nature of Utah politics, said Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) of the states strange dynamics. The South Dakota senator highlighted the Republican victories, suggesting they are a 'repudiation' of the Democrats' big-government approach. Thune serves on the Senate Commerce Committee and has played a leading role in telecommunications issues, including efforts to promote broadband. I dont own this job, McConnell said afterward. Severe Weather (Sean Rayford/Getty Images). Im pretty proud of 37 to 10, he added. 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. John Thune presents a great image for our party. Sens. Samuel Corum/Getty Images She said the support she got from other teams was 'overwhelming. Hes a deliberate person. The blue-state governor turned GOP presidential nominee turned Senate elder statesman also doesnt need the job, thanks to personal wealth that frees him to look beyond the Senates permanent reelection cycle. Legal Statement. or redistributed. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here. All rights reserved. Wow.. Thune briefly considered a run for the 2012 GOP presidential nomination before deciding not to launch a campaign. Trump successfully chilled FBI from being willing to investigate anything What Bidens FHA mortgage fee cut means for buyers. Both senators said their most important election right now is this November, when they have a real shot at taking back the majority. Kristi Noem (R) to challenge Thune in a primary but she declined and is running for reelection to the states top office. For now, two candidates announcing their opposition to the Senate GOP leader doesn't have much of an impact on the partisan landscape. Follow her on Twitter: @morganwatkins26. 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 is poised to become the Senates longest-serving leader when the new Congress convenes next year. Even Sen. Mike Braun (Ind. | Drew Angerer/Getty Images. 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. I don't expect that to be me," he noted, adding that it's "certainly not on my radar screen at the moment.". 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. ", SENATE REPUBLICAN REELECTION ARM HAULS IN A RECORD $104 MILLION LAST YEAR. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell gives a thumbs-up as he leaves a meeting with Senate Republicans at the Capitol on Nov. 16, 2022. Senate.". She said the support she got from other teams was 'overwhelming. 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. Its also a boost to McConnell, who has seen a number ofhis closest alliesexitthe Senate in recent cycles. Thune is viewed as a potential successor to McConnell, who will turn 80 in February, and the South Dakota senator acknowledged the potential that he could become GOP leader impacted his thinking on whether to retire. 2 Senate Republican who faces voters in South Dakota next year, told CNN in a statement. Unlike McConnell, Scott has detailed plans to overhaul entitlement programs and has embraced extreme candidates endorsed by Donald Trump. 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. 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. Plus, McConnell remains one of Congress'top four leaders. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. ', 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. The gender pay gap has stayed largely unchanged for 20 years. 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. 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. John Thune speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 7, 2021. McConnell has long stressed electability as the most important trait for his candidates. What that means, Morgan Watkins, Louisville Courier Journal, Mitch McConnell won't become Senate majority leader. 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. Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. 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. The 61-year-old once mulled running for president but has committed himself to the Senate after passing on national ambitions. 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. The Utahn was the first senator in history to vote to remove a president of the same party from office, in Trumps first impeachment trial. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Monaco also spoke on the FBIs mishandling of the Olympic gymnast sexual abuse case and threats against school board officials and educators. Since his election in 2018, Romneys put an indelible stamp on the Senate. 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. 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. 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. ', Greece's worst-ever rail crash kills dozens, crushes cars, Paul Vallas denounces phony video posted on Twitter, Rugged wheelchairs help people with impaired mobility navigate outdoor terrain. "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. But McConnells position was never seriously in question going into Wednesdays election. Former President Trump speaks at a rally on Sept. 25, 2021, in Perry, Georgia. 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. Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) said the GOP is fortunate to have the three Johns to choose from. But thats a decision Ill make., Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) arrives at the U.S. Capitol on April 25, 2022. "I think he does a good job," he said. 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. Cornyn said Thune is a very important part of our conference and has a lot to offer, while underscoring that a reelection run is a separate question than who succeeds McConnell. Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more Fox News politics content. ), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) and Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) are retiring. Its really more of a matter of relationships and trust.. Link Copied! Weather Forecast Hes great. Incoming National Republican Senatorial Committee Chair Steve Daines (R-Mont.) Theyre all named John, arent they? said Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.). John Thune of South Dakota serves as the No. Once McConnell would make his mind up one way or the other, Im sure there would be a jockeying for that would become quite apparent, he said. Tuberville said he thinks McConnell as compiled a good record over the past year and doesnt know of anyone looking to usurp his leadership. But as one Senate Republican put it, the potential competition between the two sets up a really difficult choice for the conference. Trump has attacked him as a "RINO" Republican in name only and even appealed to South Dakota GOP Gov. 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. And I think his running for reelection would be very important, McConnell said. Thune earned Trumps ire a year ago for publicly dismissing his efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss to Joe Biden. 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. I think theres probably a greater likelihood the House flips than the Senate, the Senate minority leader said at Noem ( R ) to challenge Thune in a RECORD $ 104 MILLION LAST year years!, largely one-sided, feud with McConnell over until 2026, Republicans know that things always! Hes kept up a really difficult choice for the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more news. 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