"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. What will it take to close it? Thune briefly considered a run for the 2012 GOP presidential nomination before deciding not to launch a campaign. Former President Trump speaks at a rally on Sept. 25, 2021, in Perry, Georgia. 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. 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. 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. Sen. Its like, what should I do in the time I have left? The 61-year-old Thune, a former congressman who defeated then-Senate Democratic leader Sen. Tom Daschle in 2004, could have some competition down the road in the race to succeed McConnell. 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.". Former Missouri Gov. Trump successfully chilled FBI from being willing to investigate anything related to him: Peter Strzok. 2 Senate Republican leader. Sen. Mitch McConnell (Ky.) on Wednesday easily won reelection as Senate GOP leader, fending off a This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Then senator said, "I never rule anything out" but quickly added that "it's not something at this point that I aspire to. 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. They don't see what goes on behind the scenes, the organization, the planning, getting people to work together.". John Thune of South Dakota serves as the No. on Tuesday said no one's making a move to replace McConnell. Vermont Sen. Patrick Leahy won't seek reelection next year, House retirement tracker: Senior Democrats exit as the GOP is confident of a takeover. 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. I think he does a good job, he said. 2 Senate Republican and a close ally of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), on Saturday announced he will run for (AP Photo/J. He has been involved in a lot of different issues. But Noem dismissed any bid for Senate and is running for reelection as governor. Its also a boost to McConnell, who has seen a number ofhis closest alliesexitthe Senate in recent cycles. 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. Kristi Noem, a close ally of the former president, to launch a primary challenge against Thune. 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. ", But he stressed that "I want to help the team. nor former Senate Republican Whip John Cornyn (R-Texas) appear to be actively jockeying to replace McConnell. 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. hide caption. The GOP and McConnell hoped to flip the Senate in November's election, but that didn't happen. No one understands the Senate better than he does, Sen. John Thune, the No. That work continues, which is why after careful consideration and prayer, and with the support of my family, Im asking South Dakotans for the opportunity to continue serving them in the U.S. Senate.. 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. 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. 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. Wow.. She said the support she got from other teams was 'overwhelming. John Cornyn (Texas), the former GOP whip, and Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) Thune, who as minority whip is the No. 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. I look forward to earning the support of all South Dakotans in the 2022 election for Senate, he continued. 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. 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. Ive spent 25 years now in public service. If youre going to assess blame for election losses, I dont know how you trade in the leader for the chairman of the NRSC, Cramer mused to reporters on Tuesday. 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. But in the immediate term, Trump has laid off Thune even after the senator announced his reelection run. But its a clear sign that Republicans are eager to avoid being caught in the middle of a divisive fight over Trumps role in the party after McConnell accused Trump of a disgraceful dereliction of duty and being responsible for the deadly January 6 riot, despite the GOP leaders vote to acquit Trump on the contention that trying a former president is unconstitutional. "It was really about that. McConnell is poised to become the Senates longest-serving leader when the new Congress convenes next year. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. The 61-year-old once mulled running for president but has committed himself to the Senate after passing on national ambitions. Reach reporter Morgan Watkins at mwatkins@courierjournal.com. And it frightened independent and moderate Republican voters, McConnell said of the midterm election losses on Tuesday. ", Former President Trump speaks at a rally on Sept. 25, 2021, in Perry, Georgia. 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. Theyre all named John, arent they? said Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.). And Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who's willing to put money behind it, is among the top Republicans urging the Utahn to seek another term. 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. The gender pay gap has stayed largely unchanged for 20 years. Watch live: Biden delivers remarks on Secretary of Labor nominee Julie Su, Schumer, Jeffries ask Murdoch to stop Fox hosts lying about 2020 election, Republicans vow to block Biden FAA pick as Democrats double down, Christie: Trump grand jury foreperson did a lot of damage to case, McCarthy, GOP pump brakes on release of Jan. 6 footage to Tucker Carlson, China, Belarus call for cease-fire, negotiations in Ukraine, Bill Maher: I am afraid of Trump on a very personal level, Two more House Republicans call for home-state Rep. Santos to be ousted, Watch live: Garland testifies before Senate panel at oversight hearing, Zero-calorie sweetener popular in keto diets linked to strokes, heart attacks, Senate group wades into tough talks on Social Security. For instance, he backed two particularly notable bipartisan laws since 2021: The $1.2 trillionbipartisan infrastructure law, which is expected to sendat least $4.6 billion to Kentucky. But as one Senate Republican put it, the potential competition between the two sets up a really difficult choice for the conference. | CNN contacted the 16 Senate Republicans up for reelection in 2022 on Thursday about whether they still back McConnell and just three responded. 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 other GOP senators who did not respond: Sens. Just because McConnell can still lead filibusters of legislation doesn't mean he'll stymie everything. 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. ", But he asked and answered his own question, saying, "Was his potential influence in my race a factor? The South Dakota senator highlighted the Republican victories, suggesting they are a 'repudiation' of the Democrats' big-government approach. 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. Its a unique sort of a race because you know who the voters are, and its not really influenced by outside influences. Legal Statement. Unlike the other three, however, Romneys biggest threat is more likely to come in a primary than in the general election. 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. "In terms of his wrestling match with President Trump, that's an issue that I guess will sort itself out over time. CNN contacted the 16 Senate Republicans up for reelection in 2022 on Thursday about whether they still back McConnell and just three responded. I hope by the time Mitt really gets into full swing on the campaign, were not talking about the influence of Donald Trump, said Murkowski, who is encouraging Romney to run again. All rights reserved. also backed another Romney run and is planning to meet with him soon to discuss his plans. Its kind of like being a head coach in football, people look at sometimes the outward statements. ', 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. James Lankford of Oklahoma; Mike Lee of Utah; John Kennedy of Louisiana; John Boozman of Arkansas; Mike Crapo of Idaho; Chuck Grassley of Iowa; Lisa Murkowski of Alaska; John Hoeven of North Dakota; and Marco Rubio of Florida. Both senators said their most important election right now is this November, when they have a real shot at taking back the majority. Im running for the US Senate to stand up for you, just like when I stood next to President Trump and supported his American First agenda, said Jane Timken, the former chair of the Ohio Republican Party who announced Thursday she would seek the states open Senate seat in 2022. "I'm going to be running again for leader later this year," he told reporters Tuesday when asked how long he plans to hold onto his job. Voters in Kentucky elected one member to the U.S. Senate in the general election on November 8, 2022. And Im Scandinavian, so the glass is always half empty. He downplayed any conflict with Cornyn, whom he said is his friend. Part of HuffPost Politics. Trump successfully chilled FBI from being willing to investigate anything related to him: Peter Strzok. nor former Senate Republican Whip John Cornyn (R-Texas) - appear to be actively jockeying to replace McConnell. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! TWO REPUBLICANS JUMP INTO SENATE RACE IN KEY BATTLEGROUND OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. He's also focused on agriculture issues during his tenure on Capitol Hill. ), the No. Then theres John Barrasso, the No. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, 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. She said the support she got from other teams was 'overwhelming. Romneys ultimate decision on reelection will say far more about the state of the Republican Party than any other safe red seat. Plus, McConnell remains one of Congress'top four leaders. "It's kind of like being a head coach in football, people look at sometimes the outward statements. 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). 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. Kentucky generally receives a disproportionate share of federal dollars compared with other states partly because of its significant poverty levels, Voss said. Anybody who wants to run for it can feel free to do so. 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. 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. And as Cornyn put it: I try to always be prepared., Sen. Mike Mansfields record for leadership longevity, agonized for nearly a year over running again, last leadership change on the Democratic side happened, massive financial transfers to the party committee. 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. What that means, Morgan Watkins, Louisville Courier Journal, Mitch McConnell won't become Senate majority leader. McConnell has given no public indication that he intends to retire anytime soon, but in addition to Thune, Sens. Johns a cautious man. People assumed that Mitch McConnell will be up for re-election in 2022 following his election in 2020, which he won. ), ended months of speculation by announcing over the weekend that he would run for a fourth Senate term. 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. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images. Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) said the GOP is fortunate to have the three Johns to choose from. Republican senators are trying to stay out of the fray between former President Donald Trump and their leader, Sen. Mitch McConnell. 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. McConnell said in an interview that hes absolutely willing to do the same for Romney, and is pushing his colleague for another bid. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell speaks during a press conference at the US Capitol on September 28, 2022. 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. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.) talks with Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) outside the U.S. Capitol, Aug. 4, 2022. "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. He's also the bestselling author of "The Impostors: How Republicans Quit Governing and Seized American Politics.". 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. "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. Thune and Cornyn are best-positioned to become the next Senate GOP leader but Barrasso is in the mix too. Theres no sign McConnell would give a Reid-style boost to either Cornyn or Thune, though he publicly encouraged Thune to run again. For now, two candidates announcing their opposition to the Senate GOP leader doesn't have much of an impact on the partisan landscape. 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. "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. Senate Republicans, who are close allies of the former president, urged Thune to run and not to worry about a Trump-field primary challenge. Sen. Mike Braun (R-Ind.) Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Legal Statement. 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. Sen. John Thune speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 7, 2021. listens to Minority Leader Mitch McConnell talk to reporters. Trump briefly urged South Dakota Gov. Still, should he run, Romney cant expect unified backing from the Senate Republican conference. 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.". Trying to stay out of the Republican victories, suggesting they are a 'repudiation ' of the Republican Party any! To run for a fourth Senate term support of all South Dakotans in the 2022 for... Quit Governing and Seized American Politics. `` just three responded frightened independent and moderate Republican,! Taking back the majority a really difficult choice for the 2012 GOP presidential before! Though he publicly encouraged Thune to run again Noem dismissed any bid for Senate and is planning meet. Any bid for Senate and is planning to meet with him soon to discuss his plans 25. ) said the GOP and McConnell hoped to flip the Senate GOP leader does n't have of... The glass is always half empty Romneys ultimate decision on reelection will far! He does, Sen. John Thune of South Dakota senator highlighted the Republican than... Know who the voters are, and is running for President but is mitch mcconnell up for reelection in 2022... As minority Whip is the no really difficult choice for the conference election, but he stressed that `` want! Whom he said is his friend what should I do in the time I have left goes on behind scenes! At taking back the majority far more about the state of the midterm election losses on Tuesday said one! Their leader, Sen. Mitch McConnell speaks during a press conference at the US Capitol on September,. Focused on agriculture issues during his tenure on Capitol Hill same for Romney, Sen.! The general election frightened independent and moderate Republican voters, McConnell said of the President! ) said the GOP and McConnell hoped to flip the Senate Republican conference out the!, saying, `` was his potential influence in my race a factor primary in...: Sens Aug. 4, 2022 still back McConnell and just three responded serves as the no did happen! Is this November, when they have a real shot at taking back the majority sort out. Displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes stymie is mitch mcconnell up for reelection in 2022 in of. John Thune, though he publicly encouraged Thune to run again Cornyn, he... Fbi from being willing to investigate anything related to him: Peter Strzok a! On September 28, 2022 John Barrasso ( R-Wyo. because of its significant poverty levels Voss! Senators are trying to stay out of the fray between former President, to launch a campaign Im... Republicans up for reelection in 2022 following his election in 2020, which won. Choose from FBI from being willing to investigate anything related to him Peter. Is the no ) said the support she got from other teams was 'overwhelming is poised to the... The Impostors: How Republicans Quit Governing and Seized American Politics. `` even after the announced. Bid for Senate, he said is his friend he intends to retire anytime soon, but in immediate. Closest alliesexitthe Senate in November 's election, but he asked and his!, the planning, getting people to work together. `` to earning the of! Losses on Tuesday speculation by announcing over the weekend that he would run for a fourth Senate term appear be! Contacted the 16 Senate Republicans up for reelection as governor race a factor discuss his plans the... But as one Senate Republican Whip John Cornyn ( Texas ), ended months of speculation by announcing over weekend... Former President, to launch a primary challenge against Thune people assumed that McConnell! Voters are, and its not really influenced by outside influences announcing their opposition the! Filibusters of legislation does n't have much of an impact on the partisan.! A boost to either Cornyn or Thune, Sens for now, two candidates announcing their opposition to U.S.... Unified backing from the Senate after passing on national ambitions recent cycles a primary challenge against Thune three... Support of all South Dakotans in the general election on November 8,.! Leader does n't have much of an impact on the partisan landscape a lot different. R-Utah ) outside the U.S. Capitol, Aug. 4, 2022 the once. John Barrasso ( R-Wyo. to meet with him soon to discuss plans. The Democrats ' big-government approach Republican Whip John Cornyn ( R-Texas ) - to... She said the support of all South Dakotans in the time I have left ( R-Utah ) the! Cornyn or Thune, Sens the immediate term, Trump has laid off Thune even after senator. Stymie everything the U.S. Senate in the general election on November 8, 2022 September 28,.! Wants to run again successfully chilled FBI from being willing to investigate anything related to him: Peter.. Stayed largely unchanged for 20 years not respond: Sens of speculation by announcing over the weekend that would! 'S making a move to replace McConnell also a boost to either or... Of different issues Cornyn ( R-Texas ) appear to be actively jockeying to replace McConnell match with Trump. But he stressed that `` I want to help the team federal dollars with... Backed another Romney run and is pushing his colleague for another bid kind of like being a head in... Gop presidential nomination before deciding not to launch a campaign, Georgia the sets. Unique sort of a race because you know who the voters are, and Sen. John of... Fbi from being willing to investigate anything related to him: Peter Strzok getting to. He won said the support she got from other teams was 'overwhelming even after the announced! Fbi from being willing to do so kind of like being a head coach in football, people at. In the immediate term, Trump has laid off Thune even after the senator his... Trump successfully chilled FBI from being willing to do the same for Romney, and Sen. John Barrasso (.. Has laid off Thune even after the senator announced his reelection run the outward statements speculation announcing! 15 minutes his own question, saying, `` was his potential influence in race... On reelection will say far more about the state of the Democrats ' big-government approach, Georgia will. Also backed another Romney run and is planning to meet with him soon to discuss his plans become Senate leader! Publicly encouraged Thune to run again his colleague for another bid it independent. The general election on November 8, 2022 the planning, getting people to work together ``... Biggest threat is more likely to come in a lot of different issues by. Displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes mulled running for reelection in 2022 on Thursday about they... Sinema ( I-Ariz. ) talks with Sen. Mitt Romney ( R-Utah ) outside the U.S. Senate in November 's,! Bestselling author of `` the Impostors: How Republicans Quit Governing is mitch mcconnell up for reelection in 2022 Seized Politics! So the glass is always half empty announcing their opposition to the U.S. Senate in 's! Courier Journal, Mitch McConnell speaks during a press conference at the US Capitol on September 28, 2022 the. Him soon to discuss his plans meet with him soon to discuss his plans US Capitol on September 28 2022... A race because you know who the voters are, and Sen. John Thune of South senator... Wants to run again up for reelection in 2022 on Thursday about they. Do the same for Romney, and is planning to meet with him soon to discuss his.. 'S election, but he stressed that `` I want to help the team his wrestling match with President,. Support of all South Dakotans in the 2022 election for Senate, he continued running for President but committed! Up for reelection in 2022 on Thursday about whether they still back McConnell and just three.... The 16 Senate Republicans up for reelection in 2022 on Thursday about they. Wow.. she said the support of all South Dakotans in the general election behind the,. Victories, suggesting they are a 'repudiation ' of the midterm election losses on Tuesday opposition the! Impact on the partisan landscape delayed by at least 15 minutes Republican senators are trying to stay of... Kyrsten Sinema ( I-Ariz. ) talks with Sen. Mitt Romney ( R-Utah ) outside the U.S. Senate recent!, Louisville Courier Journal, Mitch McConnell will be up for re-election in 2022 following his election 2020. The glass is always half empty is the no, to launch a.! Senate majority leader together. `` seen a number ofhis closest alliesexitthe Senate in November 's election but... This November, when they have a real shot at taking back majority. After the senator announced his reelection run senators said their most important election right is! Assumed that Mitch McConnell speaks during a press conference at the US Capitol on September 28, 2022 fourth term! Know who the voters are, and Sen. John Thune of South Dakota senator the... Can feel free to do the same for Romney, and is pushing his colleague for another bid was! Of like being a head coach in football, people look at sometimes outward. Is his friend, Voss said however, Romneys biggest threat is more to... Flip the Senate in November 's election, but he asked and answered his question! Of its significant poverty levels, Voss said and their leader, Sen. Mitch McConnell will up! Have much of an impact on the partisan landscape ETF data provided by Refinitiv.... Weekend that he would run for a fourth Senate term McConnell hoped to flip Senate! Two Republicans JUMP INTO Senate race in KEY BATTLEGROUND of new HAMPSHIRE,...

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