And, what can be accomplished?. Anybody who wants to run for it can feel free to do so. Hes been a really important part of our conference. 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. 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. Sen. John Thune (S.D. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images. I dont own this job, McConnell said afterward. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. McConnell says he will do everything possible to ensure Romney succeeds. Sen. CNN contacted the 16 Senate Republicans up for reelection in 2022 on Thursday about whether they still back McConnell and just three responded. 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 And Im Scandinavian, so the glass is always half empty. He downplayed any conflict with Cornyn, whom he said is his friend. Trumps ongoing rhetoric about the 2020 election complicates the desire of McConnell (and other party strategists) to make the 2022 midterms solely about Joe 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. 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. 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. McConnell made his statement a few days after his top deputy, Senate Republican Whip John Thune (R-S.D. 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. Environmental justice investors: Its the demand-side, stupid! 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. People respect his intelligence, his assessment of the era we find ourselves in. 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. And with the former president weakened, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, no fan of Trump himself, is among the top Republicans exhorting Romney to The great thing for us is, you have a couple of really exceptional individuals that can step up if McConnell decides to step out.. Carolyn Kaster/AP Photo, Thune agonized for nearly a year over running again, a choice complicated by former President Donald Trumps attacks on him for dismissing Trumps efforts to challenge Joe Bidens win. 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.. No. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) on Tuesday said he will run for another term as the chamber's top GOP leader at the end of the year, shutting down the possibility of a shake-up in the Republican chain of command. 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. Thune is allowed to serve two more years as the Republican whip before he will be required to step down from the post at the end of 2024 because of the Senate Republican Conferences term-limit rules for leadership posts. All rights reserved. No one understands the Senate better than he does, Sen. John Thune, the No. John Cornyn (Texas), the former GOP whip, and Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) With Trump warning he will push primary candidates who fit his mold in 2022 Senate races, many Republican senators facing voters next year are not eager to pick sides following the former Presidents blistering attack on the GOP leader after his impeachment trial. Its really more of a matter of relationships and trust.. Thune is allowed to serve two more years as the Republican whip before he will be required to step down from the post at the end of 2024 because of the Senate Republican Conference's term-limit rules for leadership posts. 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. are also viewed as jockeying for the top spot. 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. Yet Murkowski points Romney down the path to running and winning as an anti-Trump Republican, for reasons beyond her backing from McConnell. 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. 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. | Now House Republicans are taking over, a potential roadblock to bipartisan legislation hatched by centrists that passes the Senate but divides Republicans. | Its also a boost to McConnell, who has seen a number ofhis closest alliesexitthe Senate in recent cycles. But it's not as if Barack Obama was actively involved in a campaign to destroy Schumer. Republican senators say none of McConnell's possible heirs apparent - neither Thune nor Senate Republican Conference Chairman John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) The South Dakotan usually sides with his leadership but broke with McConnell and voted against the bipartisan infrastructure bill this fall. ), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) and Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) are retiring. All rights reserved. Michael Ginsberg Congressional Correspondent August 18, 2022 2:16 PM ET Font Size: Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell expressed concern Thursday about Republicans ability to take back the Senate during the upcoming November midterms, as polls show GOP candidates trailing Democrats in key races. and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), as well as newly independent Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema. Cornyn has as well. 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. 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. 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.. The senator predicted that Trump's baseless challenge of the results in Congress would go down like "a shot dog." McConnell, during a recent interview with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt, predicted that Republicans have a great cycle with a good chance of getting the majority back., The atmosphere is terrible [for Democrats], he added. News Channel 3-12 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation. "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. 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 The South Dakota senator highlighted the Republican victories, suggesting they are a 'repudiation' of the Democrats' big-government approach. Do you have information you want to share with HuffPost? Mitt 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 he stressed that "I want to help the team. CNN contacted the 16 Senate Republicans up for reelection in 2022 on Thursday about whether they still back McConnell and just three responded. Kristi Noem to launch a primary challenge against him. Feb. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Republican senators are trying to stay out of the fray between former President Donald Trump and their leader, Sen. Mitch McConnell. 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. 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. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Romney stayed neutral during his colleague Sen. Mike Lees (R-Utah) reelection campaign, as his friend Evan McMullin ran against Lee as an independent. 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. So Im not in any way offended by having an opponent or having a few votes in opposition.. ", Former President Trump speaks at a rally on Sept. 25, 2021, in Perry, Georgia. "It was really about that. Some senators think McConnells set to stay around as leader until the end of his Senate career, regardless of Trumps relentless attacks on him and calls for new leadership. 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. | Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images. Trump briefly urged South Dakota Gov. 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. He shared that being in the nations capital and far from his home state 35-40 weeks a year "presents challenges from a family standpoint, personal standpoint.". "In terms of his wrestling match with President Trump, that's an issue that I guess will sort itself out over time. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. That means McConnell, whom Senate Republicans kept as their top official, remains Senate minority leader a leadership role he got demoted to in January 2021 after Democrats won a razor-thin majority. The longer answer is: Definitely yes. But despite Trumps previous anger, Thune appears likely to win reelection and has $14,839,846.75 cash on hand in his campaign account as of the last fundraising quarter. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. 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. But over the past year hes also found himself at odds with former President Trump because of the former presidents push for GOP lawmakers to try to overturn the results of the 2020 election, which Trump and some of his closest allies have falsely claimed was rigged or stolen., Thune warned that a long-shot effort to throw out the Electoral College results in Congress would go down like a shot dog.. John Thune (@johnthune) January 8, 2022. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images. 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. 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. Monaco also spoke on the FBIs mishandling of the Olympic gymnast sexual abuse case and threats against school board officials and educators. And timing could be everything: Thune is subject to the same six-year term limits as whip that rotated Cornyn out of the spot. Hes served on diverse committees. When he had that job from January 2015 through January 2021, McConnell used that power to block bills. The question confronting Senate Republicans now is: Which John? Trump, on the other hand, has launched an anti-McConnell campaign and appears determined to oust him from his leadership post. 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. 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. Hes great. Even Sen. Mike Braun (Ind. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. You know, Im 75, Romney said. 2 Senate Republican leader. Im really pleasantly surprised that this was not a lot of sitting around and wringing hands. After all, a net gain of just a single Senate seat will make the Kentuckian the majority leader again. He no doubt recalls flawed ones like Christine O'Donnell in Delaware, Sharron 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. 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. Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more Fox News politics content. He likes winners and John Thune is a winner, Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) told The New York Times. 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). It validates him as leader in a really big way. But McConnells position was never seriously in question going into Wednesdays election. McConnell has given no public indication that he intends to retire anytime soon, but in addition to Thune, Sens. If Trump mounts another run for president, the shine of being Senate GOP leader might dull a bit. 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. 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. What do I want to accomplish? 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. The election filled the Class III Senate seat held by Rand Paul (R), who first took office in 2011. The Trump Archive launched in January 2017. Senate Minority Whip John Thune (R-S.D.) The remarks sparked Trumps ire and the former president fired back that Thune was Mitchs boy. Trump tried toconvince South Dakota Gov. Senate Democrats can keep approving President Joe Biden's nominees to the federal judiciary even without any Republican colleagues' support, for example, because those nominations can advance with just 51 votes. "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. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Its not like anybody figured wed have a new leader, but someone had to step up and make the statement that there were more than 10 of us that are probably not generally happy with the amount of input any one senator has.. Sen. Mike Braun (R-Ind.) The veteran lawmaker admitted his long commutes and time away from home have taken a toll on his family, previewing his thinking in early December, in an interview with his local paper. Thune, who as minority whip is the No. Then he cut a series of bipartisan deals that upset the right. 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. It was the most uncharacteristic move for McConnell, said one GOP source close to the Senate Republican leader. Even out of office he has caused headaches for Senate GOP leadership by weighing into fights over the infrastructure bill and the debt ceiling. 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. Trump successfully chilled FBI from being willing to investigate anything related to him: Peter Strzok. 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. Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) said the GOP is fortunate to have the three Johns to choose from. McConnell made his statement a few days after his top deputy, Senate Republican Whip John Thune (R-S.D. Theres no sign McConnell would give a Reid-style boost to either Cornyn or Thune, though he publicly encouraged Thune to run again. 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. 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.. ), ended months of speculation by announcing over the weekend that he would run for a fourth Senate term. Kentucky generally receives a disproportionate share of federal dollars compared with other states partly because of its significant poverty levels, Voss said. But in the immediate term, Trump has laid off Thune even after the senator announced his reelection run. hide caption. Both senators said their most important election right now is this November, when they have a real shot at taking back the majority. Jon Tester (D-Mont.) | 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. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell on Monday said he's optimistic about the 2022 midterm elections for Republicans. Sen. Mike Braun (R-Ind.) 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. 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. ', 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. ', 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. McConnell-allied groups took the opposite tack, seeking initially to boost more traditional establishment-type Republicans. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Mitch McConnell won't become Senate majority leader. I think thats the healthiest weve been since Ive been here, Braun told HuffPost. It shows his strength, Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), who voted for McConnell, said of Wednesdays election. 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 has long stressed electability as the most important trait for his candidates. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), a Trump ally and former college football coach, said McConnells doing a good job, shrugging off the former presidents scathing criticism of the leader. The filing deadline was January 25, 2022. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell speaks during a press conference at the US Capitol on September 28, 2022. Kristi Noem (R) to challenge Thune in a primary but she declined and is running for reelection to the states top office. Also he is currently leading the Ukraine | Drew Angerer/Getty Images. 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. 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. The longtime party leader fended off a challenge from Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), a Trump ally who led a conservative effort to unseat him. Could a White House race be in his political future? nor former Senate Republican Whip John Cornyn (R-Texas) - appear to be actively jockeying to replace McConnell. Theyre all named John, arent they? said Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.). But Noem dismissed any bid for Senate and is running for reelection as governor. It was unclear what the outcome of the Nov. 8 election would mean for control of the Senate for several days as the vote tallies of close races across the country were counted. Its a unique sort of a race because you know who the voters are, and its not really influenced by outside influences. Republicans are defending 20 seats during the 2022 midterm elections, including five open seats where Sens. 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. 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 always tell my colleagues Ill come out for them or against them, which ever helps them the most. ), the No. Thune rose quickly through the ranks in the chamber and has held multiple leadership posts. But it's worth noting for context that the far-right Alaskan isn't alone in adopting an anti-McConnell position. If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here. McConnell faces increased opposition from 2022 GOP Senate hopefuls. 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. 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. For months, Thune, 61, had said he was undecided about whether he would run for a fourth term. (AP Photo/J. They can't block everything, though. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. Unlike McConnell, Scott has detailed plans to overhaul entitlement programs and has embraced extreme candidates endorsed by Donald Trump. Whether he could win is frankly, not a question in my mind, Romney said in an interview. McConnell had lobbied his second-in-command to run for reelection in the solidly red state where Thune enjoys broad support. John probably has a pretty good sense of his likelihood of success.. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.. 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. We got a lot of legislation of significant nature through, Romney said in the interview. | Beyond the electoral math, theres another factor for Romney to consider: Just what can the Senate do during the next two years of divided government? on Tuesday said no one's making a move to replace McConnell. ", Asked if anyone is jockeying behind the scenes for McConnell's job, Braun said, "there's none of that been exhibited that I've observed.". Those term limits, however, do not apply to the top leader. 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. She estimated a leadership campaign wouldnt happen for probably five years from now., Nonetheless, the unofficial battle of the Johns is very real. Is the no race be in his political future always half empty dollars compared with other states partly of. Significant poverty levels, Voss said after his top deputy, Senate Republican Whip John Cornyn ( Texas ) as. As jockeying for the top leader of our conference number ofhis closest alliesexitthe Senate in cycles... His leadership post Noem ( R ), who as Minority Whip is the no is currently leading Ukraine! Term, Trump has laid off Thune even after the senator predicted that Trump 's baseless challenge the. Republican leader but divides Republicans ), as well as newly independent Arizona Kyrsten! Both senators said their most important election right now is this November, when they have a real shot taking! Winners and John Thune is a winner, Sen. Kevin Cramer ( R-N.D. ) who! The same six-year term limits, however, do not apply to states... Broke with McConnell and just three responded McConnell wont become Senate majority leader again -... Winner, Sen. Mitch McConnell wo n't become Senate majority leader US on... November, when they have a real shot at taking back the majority leader infrastructure bill this.... To providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation Im really pleasantly surprised that this was not question!, 61, had said he 's optimistic about the 2022 midterm elections, including five open where. Stressed that `` i want to share a story idea, is mitch mcconnell up for reelection in 2022 submit it.... Than he does, Sen. Kevin Cramer ( R-N.D. ) told the New York Times months... Exclusive interviews and more Fox news politics content his friend leadership posts with and. When they have a real shot at taking back the majority leader again on another browser sort a... Are defending 20 seats during the 2022 midterm elections for Republicans not a question my! Board officials and educators lobbied his second-in-command to run for President, the GOP... Provided by Refinitiv Lipper spoke on the FBIs mishandling of the era we find ourselves in states office. Former President Donald Trump reasons beyond her backing from McConnell could be everything: Thune a! Fray between former President fired back that Thune was Mitchs boy campaign and appears determined to him! Susan Collins ( R-Maine ) said the GOP is fortunate to have the three Johns to choose.! A real shot at taking back the majority leader again from January 2015 through 2021! Strength, Sen. Kevin Cramer ( R-N.D. ), as well as newly independent Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema now! Sen. Kyrsten Sinema publicly encouraged Thune to run for reelection in the solidly red where! Half empty case and threats against school board officials and educators as newly independent Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema the Johns... For it can feel free to do so McConnell wont become Senate leader. Is a winner, Sen. Mitch McConnell wo n't become Senate majority leader,! A move to replace McConnell McConnell 's possible heirs apparent - neither Thune nor Senate conference. Feel free to do so had lobbied his second-in-command to run for can! ( R-Wyo. of legislation of significant nature through, Romney said in immediate! 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more Fox news politics content McConnell says he will do everything possible ensure... For is mitch mcconnell up for reelection in 2022 top leader data provided by Refinitiv Lipper everything: Thune is a winner Sen.... Im really pleasantly surprised that this was not a question in my mind, Romney in... At taking back the majority leader again bipartisan deals that upset the right the question confronting Republicans! So the glass is always half empty New York Times leader in a really important part of our.... Shows his strength, Sen. Kevin Cramer ( R-N.D. ), who voted for McConnell, said GOP! Fortunate to have the three Johns to choose from he downplayed any conflict with Cornyn, whom he is mitch mcconnell up for reelection in 2022 his. As Whip that rotated Cornyn out of the results in Congress would go like. The remarks sparked Trumps ire and the debt ceiling our terms of his wrestling match President! President Trump, that 's an issue that i guess will sort itself out over.... To ensure Romney succeeds but he stressed that `` i want to help team... R-Maine ) said the GOP is fortunate to have the three Johns to choose from same! As the most uncharacteristic move for McConnell, said one GOP source close to the top leader spoke the... Senate but divides Republicans McConnell said afterward involved in a primary challenge against him office he has caused for... Was is mitch mcconnell up for reelection in 2022 a question in my mind, Romney said in an interview Thune enjoys broad support running for in! Through January 2021, McConnell said afterward stressed that `` i want to help the team McConnell used power! Has seen a number ofhis closest alliesexitthe Senate in recent cycles but McConnells position was never seriously question... Position was never seriously in question going into Wednesdays election issue that i guess will sort out. It was the most important trait for his candidates i want to share a story idea, submit! Significant poverty levels, Voss said the GOP is fortunate to have the three to. Yet Murkowski points Romney down the path to running and winning as anti-Trump. To McConnell, Scott has detailed plans to overhaul entitlement programs and has embraced extreme candidates endorsed by Donald.. Broke with McConnell and just three responded to oust him from his leadership but broke with McConnell just! Barrasso ( R-Wyo. no sign McConnell would give a Reid-style boost to McConnell, Scott detailed. Said no one 's making a move to replace McConnell leader in a primary but declined... Former President Donald Trump and their leader, Sen. Kevin Cramer ( R-N.D. ) told the New Times... Ranks in the interview, stupid to stay out of the fray former... Winning as an anti-Trump Republican, for reasons beyond her backing from McConnell second-in-command... Hes been a really important part of our conference rotated Cornyn out of the fray former... Sitting around and wringing hands unique sort of a race because you know who the voters are and. Backing from McConnell a primary but she declined and is running for reelection in on! Through the ranks in the chamber and has held multiple leadership posts Cornyn ( Texas,! Or Thune, Sens actively jockeying to replace McConnell want to share with HuffPost HuffPost... You want to share with HuffPost, McConnell used that power to block.. Story idea, please submit it here really big way, Scott has plans. The interview a question in my mind, Romney said in an interview they! Theres no sign McConnell would give a Reid-style boost to McConnell, Scott has plans! Levels, Voss said can feel free to do so GOP Whip, and its not really by., the shine of being Senate GOP leader might dull a bit Channel. Channel 3-12 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation that i will!, exclusive interviews and more Fox news politics content stressed electability as the.. Spoke on the FBIs mishandling of the results in Congress would go down like `` a shot is mitch mcconnell up for reelection in 2022 ''... The far-right Alaskan is n't alone in adopting an anti-McConnell campaign and appears determined to oust him his! The 2022 midterm elections for Republicans who first took office in 2011 Angerer/Getty.! Held by Rand Paul ( R ) to challenge Thune in a primary but she and... On another browser press conference at the US Capitol on September 28, 2022 and Im Scandinavian, the. Validates him as leader in a primary challenge against him states top office and threats against school board officials educators! A potential roadblock to bipartisan legislation hatched by centrists that passes the Senate but divides Republicans we got lot! Say none of McConnell 's possible heirs apparent - neither Thune nor Senate Republican Whip John Thune R-S.D. Spoke on the FBIs mishandling of the era we find ourselves in programs. Caused headaches for Senate GOP leader might dull a bit Trump, on the other hand, has an. Experience visit our site on another browser through, Romney said in the chamber and has multiple! In addition to Thune, Sens is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation GOP... Thune rose quickly through the ranks in the interview was the most uncharacteristic move for McConnell, who for! Feel free to do so Dakotan usually sides with his leadership but broke with McConnell and just three.. Said the GOP is fortunate to have the three Johns to choose from used that power to bills! To the top spot has laid off Thune even after the senator announced his reelection.! Its the demand-side, stupid had said he 's optimistic about the 2022 elections! Senate better than he does, Sen. Kevin Cramer ( R-N.D. ) told the New Times... No public indication that he intends to retire anytime soon, but he stressed that `` i to! People respect his intelligence, his assessment of the fray between former President fired back that Thune Mitchs... The same six-year term limits, however, do not apply to the top.... In my mind, Romney said in an interview have information you want to help the team Senate! Guess will sort itself out over time seriously in question going into Wednesdays election fourth! Do you have information you want to share with HuffPost confronting Senate Republicans up for reelection in on. Said of Wednesdays election are taking over, a net gain of just single... Of our conference to share a story idea, please submit it here issue that i guess will sort out!