Mitch McConnell successor/ Senate GOP leadership race/ John Thune John Cornyn/ GOP Senate election/ Trump influence Senate Republicans/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ As Senate Republicans prepare to elect a successor to longtime leader Mitch McConnell, Senators John Thune and John Cornyn are emerging as frontrunners. Both senators have campaigned extensively to secure votes, yet many GOP members remain undecided ahead of the November 13 ballot. Former President Trump’s influence, as well as each candidate’s approach to party leadership, could shape the outcome of this critical election.
Senate GOP Leadership Race: Quick Looks
- Race for Successor: John Thune and John Cornyn are leading contenders to replace Mitch McConnell as Senate GOP leader.
- Key Influences: Trump’s potential endorsement could sway undecided senators, though some warn it could backfire.
- Policy Similarities: Thune and Cornyn align on most policy issues, favoring traditional Republican stances with bipartisan flexibility.
- Leadership Vision: Both candidates propose a more open approach than McConnell’s style, though they differ in their level of empowerment for rank-and-file members.
- Funding and Campaigning: Thune and Cornyn have actively campaigned and fundraised for GOP Senate candidates nationwide.
Senate Republicans Divided Over McConnell’s Potential Successor
Deep Look
The race to succeed Mitch McConnell as Senate GOP leader is heating up as Senators John Thune of South Dakota and John Cornyn of Texas emerge as frontrunners, each vying to shape the future direction of Senate Republicans. With McConnell preparing to step down in January after nearly two decades as leader, the upcoming November 13 vote marks a pivotal moment for Senate Republicans. Yet, as senators weigh their choices, uncertainty abounds, with many GOP members keeping their preferences private, and the possibility of a surprise contender still looms.
Thune, currently the Senate’s Republican whip and McConnell’s second-in-command, and Cornyn, who previously held the whip position, are both seasoned legislators with deep ties to the GOP establishment. Known for their moderate approach and occasional bipartisanship, both candidates have shown support for former President Donald Trump, although both had tense moments with him, especially following the January 6 attack on the Capitol. In recent months, however, both men have reestablished communication with Trump and have attended events with him, aware that his endorsement could play a role in swaying undecided senators.
The potential involvement of Trump, however, is a double-edged sword. While his endorsement may bolster support from conservative senators, it could alienate others who value the Senate’s independence. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC), a close colleague of both candidates, cautioned against outside influence, saying, “The psychology of the Senate” is unique and that senators prefer to keep leadership decisions “within their small club.”
Nevertheless, both candidates are positioning themselves as ready to work professionally with Trump if he wins the presidency again. Thune, who sharply criticized Trump’s actions on January 6, described their potential working relationship as “professional” rather than personal. Cornyn, meanwhile, recently met with Trump in Texas, aiming to strengthen his appeal among Trump-supporting senators.
Florida Senator Rick Scott, who is currently seeking reelection, also remains a potential contender. Known as a Trump ally, Scott’s involvement in the leadership race could act as a “spoiler,” potentially drawing support away from Thune or Cornyn. Trump’s endorsement of Scott could further complicate the race, giving Scott leverage to shape the direction of the caucus.
As the race intensifies, both Thune and Cornyn have taken to the campaign trail, attending fundraisers and events to rally support among GOP colleagues. Thune has made over 24 campaign stops for fellow Republican senators, contributing over $31 million to Senate races. Cornyn has similarly bolstered GOP candidates, leveraging his extensive fundraising history to demonstrate his commitment to the party’s broader success.
Policy-wise, Thune and Cornyn align closely, advocating for traditional GOP stances with a willingness to work across the aisle on certain issues. Cornyn, a longstanding member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, played a key role in recent bipartisan gun legislation, while Thune, a former chair of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, has advocated for bipartisan collaboration in committee work.
The broader challenge facing both candidates is the demand from some senators to decentralize power within the GOP conference. Senators such as Mike Lee of Utah and Rick Scott have advocated for a more distributed leadership model, which would give individual members and committees greater authority. In response, Cornyn proposed term limits for Senate GOP leaders, suggesting that a more inclusive leadership approach could be beneficial. Thune, too, acknowledged these concerns, proposing limited reforms but warning against weakening the leader’s role excessively.
Missouri Senator Josh Hawley, a figure in the Senate’s conservative faction, is also weighing his options, seeking clarity on how each candidate would handle legislative priorities and relations with a potential Trump presidency. Hawley’s stance highlights the divide within the GOP conference, as more conservative senators question the legacy of McConnell’s leadership and seek assurances that new leadership will reflect their interests.
Thune and Cornyn face a delicate balancing act in navigating these demands. While they both express openness to change, they have made it clear they will not engage in deal-making that could compromise their authority. Thune, in particular, emphasized his goal of empowering committees while maintaining the leader’s role to ensure stability, stating, “I’m not going to make wholesale changes that weaken the leader position to where it’s just a free-for-all.”
In the coming days, the internal dynamics of the GOP Senate caucus are expected to play a crucial role in determining the race’s outcome. While Thune and Cornyn both enjoy strong support and a solid record of party service, the influence of Trump, Scott’s potential spoiler role, and ongoing calls for leadership reform add layers of complexity. Senate Republicans are navigating a leadership choice that could impact party strategy for years to come, especially if they reclaim the majority in Tuesday’s election.
With McConnell’s era coming to a close, the upcoming vote marks a significant shift in Senate Republican leadership, setting the stage for either Thune or Cornyn to guide the GOP’s legislative strategy and influence its stance on issues ranging from foreign policy to domestic spending. The decision will determine not only who leads the GOP in the Senate but also how they balance unity with the evolving priorities within their ranks.
