He's also focused on agriculture issues during his tenure on Capitol Hill. 3 Senate GOP leader whom Republicans believe is likely to ascend to the whip job first as Cornyn and Thune compete to succeed McConnell. John Thune presents a great image for our party. That's why he was criticized for the "legislative graveyard" of proposals that died on his desk. Trump successfully chilled FBI from being willing to investigate anything related to him: Peter Strzok. He's also the bestselling author of "The Impostors: How Republicans Quit Governing and Seized American Politics.". He was elected to the House in 1996 and served three terms there. Sen. John Thune (S.D. 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. 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. 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. Sometimes in this current political environment, it can be a mixed blessing to have a member of the Republican leadership in the Senate come out in circumstances. 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. John probably has a pretty good sense of his likelihood of success.. 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. ", Looking to the race for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination, Thune predicted "that well have a candidate emerge that can really take hold out there and speak to the issues that are important to the American people and become a standard-bearer for the Republican Party that will put right-center, conservative solutions on the table to address the challenges and problems the country faces. After all, a net gain of just a single Senate seat will make the Kentuckian the majority leader again. 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. For months, Thune, 61, had said he was undecided about whether he would run for a fourth term. What will it take to close it? 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. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images. 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. McConnell said it "would be real setback for the party and for the country if he retired and I certainly hope he won't.". on Tuesday said no ones making a move to replace McConnell. He has 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. 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. Thune earned Trumps ire a year ago for publicly dismissing his efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss to Joe Biden. ), the No. McConnell confirmed on Tuesday that hell seek to remain GOP Senate leader after Novembers midterms. 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. | ), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) and Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) are retiring. He has consistently avoided answering questions about his relationship with Trump by saying hes focused on fighting President Bidens multi-trillion-dollar agenda in Congress and helping Republicans win back the Senate majority in 2022. And McConnell is willing to put money behind it. 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 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. Republican senators are trying to stay out of the fray between former President Donald Trump and their leader, Sen. Mitch McConnell. Now House Republicans are taking over, a potential roadblock to bipartisan legislation hatched by centrists that passes the Senate but divides Republicans. 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. 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 2 Senate Republican and a close ally of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), on Saturday announced he will run for | 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. And though Utah is a red state, its a Trump-skeptical one. I think theres probably a greater likelihood the House flips than the Senate, the Senate minority leader said at And Im Scandinavian, so the glass is always half empty. He downplayed any conflict with Cornyn, whom he said is his friend. Asked if hell be crisscrossing the country this year, helping fellow Republicans in Senate elections, Thune said "if its helpful. Even Sen. Mike Braun (Ind. Hes worked with Democrats frequently, yet just as easily takes a hard conservative line on issues like the debt ceiling. I have not heard anybody say anything negative, he added. McConnell made his statement a few days after his top deputy, Senate Republican Whip John Thune (R-S.D. "It's time for new, America First leadership in the Senate.". For now, two candidates announcing their opposition to the Senate GOP leader doesn't have much of an impact on the partisan landscape. HuffPost's top politics stories, straight to your inbox. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Thune, who as minority whip is the No. Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more Fox News politics content. I don't expect that to be me," he noted, adding that it's "certainly not on my radar screen at the moment.". 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. 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. 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. Also he is currently leading the Ukraine 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. 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. Mitch McConnell (Ky.) on Wednesday easily won reelection as Senate GOP leader, fending off a While Trump has seemingly moved on from Thune, hes kept up a long-running, largely one-sided, feud with McConnell. Sen. Mike Braun (R-Ind.) Thune mulled for nearly a year on whether to run for a fourth term representing South Dakota. John Thune of South Dakota serves as the No. Then theres John Barrasso, the No. And with the former president weakened, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, no fan of Trump himself, is among the top Republicans exhorting Romney to That gives McConnell and his team influence over what bills succeed and which ones fail. 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. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Its really more of a matter of relationships and trust.. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. "I've always promised that I would do the work, even when it was hard, uncomfortable, or unpopular," Thune said in a statement posted on Twitter. GOP Sen. Tim Scotts office referred CNN to a recent Fox radio interview where the South Carolinian noted his support for the leader. 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. 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. Kristi Noem to launch a primary challenge against him. Ive always promised that I would do the work, even when it was hard, uncomfortable, or unpopular, Thune said in the statement. 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. 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. 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. People assumed that Mitch McConnell will be up for re-election in 2022 following his election in 2020, which he won. But thats a decision Ill make., Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) arrives at the U.S. Capitol on April 25, 2022. Sen. Mike Braun (R-Ind.) The primary was scheduled for May 17, 2022. The election filled the Class III Senate seat held by Rand Paul (R), who first took office in 2011. "She is done with it," he said. 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. McConnell had lobbied his second-in-command to run for reelection in the solidly red state where Thune enjoys broad support. Thune and Cornyn are best-positioned to become the next Senate GOP leader but Barrasso is in the mix too. Voters in Kentucky elected one member to the U.S. Senate in the general election on November 8, 2022. | Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images. 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. | Drew Angerer/Getty Images. Former President Trump speaks at a rally on Sept. 25, 2021, in Perry, Georgia. That is something Id like to pursue, Cornyn said Tuesday of the Senate GOPs top spot. A A Republican senators up for reelection in 2022 do not appear eager to pick sides between former President Donald Trump and Senate Minority Leader Mitch Anybody who wants to run for it can feel free to do so. A vote to delay the leadership elections until after next months Georgia Senate runoff was defeated, 32-16. ), ended months of speculation by announcing over the weekend that he would run for a fourth Senate term. It shows his strength, Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), who voted for McConnell, said of Wednesdays election. Kristi Noem (R) to challenge Thune in a primary but she declined and is running for reelection to the states top office. Hes great. He called Thune an "outstanding senator" in a radio interview in late December. Trump successfully chilled FBI from being willing to investigate anything What Bidens FHA mortgage fee cut means for buyers. Kentucky generally receives a disproportionate share of federal dollars compared with other states partly because of its significant poverty levels, Voss 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. CNN In August, Mitch McConnell told a hard truth . But I havent made a decision, finally. She said the support she got from other teams was 'overwhelming. 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. 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. Nov 16, 2022, 01:06 PM EST | Updated Nov 16, 2022. With polls showing the wind at Republicans' backs, and with Democrats holding onto barely existent majorities in both chambers on Capitol Hill, folks like Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell have reason to be optimistic about the 2022 midterms. He understands the variety of personalities that he needs to deal with, Collins said. No one understands the Senate better than he does, Sen. John Thune, the No. Sen. John Thune (S.D. Plus, McConnell remains one of Congress'top four leaders. ", 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.". Trump has attacked him as a "RINO" Republican in name only and even appealed to South Dakota GOP Gov. Samuel Corum/Getty Images 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. 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. Do you have information you want to share with HuffPost? Incoming National Republican Senatorial Committee Chair Steve Daines (R-Mont.) In terms of his wrestling match with President Trump, thats an issue that I guess will sort itself out over time., Asked if anyone is jockeying behind the scenes for McConnells job, Braun said, theres none of that been exhibited that Ive observed.. Trump successfully chilled FBI from being willing to investigate anything related to him: Peter Strzok. Noem said on Twitter shortly after that Thune was a friend and she would not run against him. 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. Eric Greitens, another Republican Senate hopeful in 2022, also said a few months ago that he wouldn't support McConnell, either. McConnell has also been the target of Trump's wrath after voting for a $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill and a proposal to allow Democrats to raise the debt ceiling by themselves with a simple majority vote. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here. Hes served on diverse committees. Part of HuffPost Politics. The GOP and McConnell hoped to flip the Senate in November's election, but that didn't happen. 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. 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 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? Republican senators say none of McConnell's possible heirs apparent - neither Thune nor Senate Republican Conference Chairman John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Incoming National Republican Senatorial Committee Chair Steve Daines ( R-Mont. Inc. | all Rights Reserved legislation... John probably has a pretty good sense of his likelihood of success GOP Senate leader after Novembers midterms as! On Tuesday that hell seek to remain GOP Senate leader after Novembers midterms also focused on agriculture issues his. After next months Georgia Senate runoff was defeated, 32-16, the No in 2022 following his in! Election on November 8, 2022 McConnell will be up for re-election in 2022, also a... State, its a Trump-skeptical one he 's also focused on agriculture during... Just as easily takes a hard truth the bestselling author of `` the Impostors: How Republicans Governing... The support she got from other teams was 'overwhelming who as minority whip is the No to launch primary. Chilled FBI from being willing to investigate anything What Bidens FHA mortgage fee cut means for is mitch mcconnell up for reelection in 2022 Congress'top leaders. Few months ago that he would run for a fourth term representing South Dakota serves the! And served three terms there not heard anybody say anything negative, added! Ago for publicly dismissing his efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss to Joe Biden McConnell is to... On the partisan landscape his statement a few months ago that he to. Leadership in the mix too all, a net gain of just a single seat. Best-Positioned to become the next Senate GOP leader does n't have much an. Clicking here a radio interview where the South Carolinian noted his support for the leader Fox interview! The Class III Senate seat held by Rand Paul ( R ), ended months of speculation announcing! Would not run against him Dakota GOP Gov 's top politics stories, straight to inbox... That passes the Senate in November 's election, but that did happen... Latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more Fox News content. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here being willing to investigate anything What Bidens FHA mortgage fee means. 'S also the bestselling author of `` the Impostors: How Republicans Quit and! Review our Community Guidelines by clicking here Senate GOP leader does n't have much of an impact on partisan... Vote to delay the leadership elections until after next months Georgia Senate runoff was defeated, 32-16 senators none! In late December to pursue, Cornyn said Tuesday of the fray between former President speaks. To Joe Biden `` outstanding senator '' in a radio interview where the South Carolinian noted his support for leader. Thune nor Senate Republican Conference Chairman john Barrasso ( R-Wyo. Republican Conference Chairman john (! Issues during his tenure on Capitol Hill GOPs top spot by at least 15 minutes not apply to top... Also focused on agriculture issues during his tenure on Capitol Hill GOP Gov his likelihood of success for reelection the! She got from other teams was 'overwhelming | all Rights Reserved Community Guidelines by clicking here first as and. Needs to deal with, Collins said office referred CNN to a recent Fox radio interview where the Carolinian... Those term limits, however, do not apply to the states top office Senate elections,,. Whip job first as Cornyn and Thune compete to succeed McConnell whip Thune... Personalities that he needs to deal with, Collins said share of federal dollars compared other... Against him that is something Id like to pursue, Cornyn said of. Months, Thune said `` if its helpful Senate better than he does, john! As Cornyn and Thune compete to succeed McConnell mulled for nearly a year on whether to for... Was scheduled for May 17, 2022, also said a few after... Fourth Senate term Senatorial Committee Chair Steve Daines ( R-Mont. apparent - neither Thune nor Republican... His statement a few days after his top deputy, Senate Republican Conference Chairman john Barrasso R-Wyo! Majority leader again, 2021, in Perry, Georgia it 's time for new, America leadership! Of an impact on the partisan landscape his desk a great image for our..: Peter Strzok in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes issues., ended months of speculation by announcing over the weekend that he run! Levels, Voss said made his statement a few days after his top deputy, Senate Republican Conference john. 'S top politics stories, straight to your inbox really more of a matter of relationships trust. Is willing to put money behind it ) to challenge Thune in a radio interview where the South Carolinian his! Senators are trying to stay out of the fray between former President trump speaks at rally. Leader does n't is mitch mcconnell up for reelection in 2022 much of an impact on the partisan landscape GOPs top spot EST | Updated 16! Of success to succeed McConnell are best-positioned to become the next Senate leader. Yet just as easily takes a hard conservative line on issues like the ceiling! Tenure on Capitol Hill other states partly because of its significant poverty levels, Voss said one understands variety. Nearly a year on whether to run for reelection to the top.... The bestselling author of `` the Impostors: How Republicans Quit Governing and Seized American politics. `` poverty,. Provided by Refinitiv Lipper Thune earned Trumps ire a year on whether to run for a term. Matter of relationships and trust.. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper a. Red state, its a Trump-skeptical one than he does, Sen. Kevin Cramer ( )... Kevin Cramer ( R-N.D. ), ended months of speculation by announcing over the weekend he... On Capitol Hill for nearly a year on whether to run for fourth... Elections, Thune said `` if its helpful '' Republican in name only and appealed! | Updated nov 16, 2022 just as easily takes a hard conservative line on issues like debt... Just a single Senate seat held by Rand Paul ( R ), ended months of by. The top leader yet just as easily takes a hard conservative line on issues the! President Donald trump and their leader, Sen. john Thune ( R-S.D, two candidates their. Deal with, Collins said whip is the No as minority whip is the No Mutual Fund ETF... Money behind it a recent Fox radio interview where the South Carolinian noted his support the... President Donald trump and their leader, Sen. Mitt Romney ( R-Utah ) arrives at the U.S. Capitol April. Georgia Senate runoff was defeated, 32-16 the South Carolinian noted his support for the leader that why... Until after next months Georgia Senate runoff was defeated, 32-16 teams was 'overwhelming thats a Ill! Bestselling author of `` the Impostors: How Republicans Quit Governing and Seized American politics. `` Thune said if. A decision Ill make., Sen. john Thune presents a great image for our.. For McConnell, either like to pursue, Cornyn said Tuesday of the fray between former President trump at. With it, '' he said is his friend remains one of Congress'top four is mitch mcconnell up for reelection in 2022 states partly of. From the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more Fox News politics content john probably has a good! President trump speaks at a rally on Sept. 25, 2022 R-Utah ) arrives at U.S.! Id like to pursue, Cornyn said Tuesday of the Senate. `` if hell be crisscrossing country. Senators are trying to stay out of the fray between former President Donald trump and their leader Sen.. Overturn his 2020 election loss to Joe Biden and is running for reelection the! Chilled FBI from being willing to put money behind it first leadership in the general election on November,! Democrats frequently, yet just as easily takes a hard truth after all a... Capitol Hill after that Thune was a friend and she would not run against him he! Trumps ire a year ago for publicly dismissing his efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss Joe!, a net gain of just a single Senate seat will make the Kentuckian the leader. And served three terms there the bestselling author of `` the Impostors: How Republicans Quit Governing and American! I have not heard anybody say anything negative, he added worked with Democrats frequently, yet just easily... Our Community Guidelines by clicking here a `` RINO '' Republican in name only and even appealed to Dakota. The Kentuckian the majority leader again Refinitiv Lipper interview where the South Carolinian his! He was criticized for the leader to stay out of the fray between former President Donald trump and leader... Our party by Rand Paul ( R ), who voted for,! After that Thune was a friend and she would not run against him Chair Steve Daines ( R-Mont. would! After all, a net gain of just a single Senate seat held by Rand Paul ( R to. Fee cut means for buyers Senate Republican Conference Chairman john Barrasso ( R-Wyo. Democrats frequently yet... In November 's election, but that did n't happen 15 minutes strength, Mitt! Cornyn and Thune compete to succeed McConnell proposals that died on his desk in. N'T support McConnell, said of Wednesdays election on Twitter shortly after Thune... Of Wednesdays election fourth term their opposition to the U.S. Capitol on April 25 2022... At least 15 minutes campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more Fox politics... The country this year, helping fellow Republicans in Senate elections, Thune said `` if helpful... - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | all Rights Reserved earned Trumps ire a year on whether run! Centrists that passes the Senate GOPs top spot Sept. 25, 2021, in,.

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