Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more Fox News politics content. Republicans are defending 20 seats during the 2022 midterm elections, including five open seats where Sens. Severe Weather 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. Though GOP senators expressed confidence earlier this year that he would run, Thune set off alarm bells within the caucus when he told a South Dakota publication that his wife was ready for him to call it quits. 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. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Asked if hell be crisscrossing the country this year, helping fellow Republicans in Senate elections, Thune said "if its helpful. 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. And though she said Cornyn and Barrasso would do a very good job, shes one of the few GOP senators willing to weigh in on the shadow leadership race. 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. 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 don't expect that to be me," he noted, adding that it's "certainly not on my radar screen at the moment.". Trump briefly urged South Dakota Gov. Samuel Corum/Getty Images Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images. In August, Mitch McConnell told a hard truth . Feb. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. 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. The South Dakotan usually sides with his leadership but broke with McConnell and voted against the bipartisan infrastructure bill this fall. 3 Senate GOP leader whom Republicans believe is likely to ascend to the whip job first as Cornyn and Thune compete to succeed McConnell. THE HILL 1625 K STREET, NW SUITE 900 WASHINGTON DC 20006 | 202-628-8500 TEL | 202-628-8503 FAX. 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. 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. What will it take to close it? So Im not in any way offended by having an opponent or having a few votes in opposition.. 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 Since his election in 2018, Romneys put an indelible stamp on the Senate. 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. 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. Paul Steinhauser is a politics reporter based in New Hampshire. His clout isn't as strong as it was when he was majority leader, but it's still consequential, including when it comes to delivering government funds to Kentucky. But as one Senate Republican put it, the potential competition between the two sets up a really difficult choice for the conference. 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. McConnell had lobbied his second-in-command to run for reelection in the solidly red state where Thune enjoys broad support. And it frightened independent and moderate Republican voters, McConnell said of the midterm election losses on Tuesday. 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. ", SENATE REPUBLICAN REELECTION ARM HAULS IN A RECORD $104 MILLION LAST YEAR. Whether he could win is frankly, not a question in my mind, Romney said in an interview. No one understands the Senate better than he does, Sen. John Thune, the No. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. 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. 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 Sen. John Thune touts GOP victories as 'response to the Biden agenda', New Orleans mayor recall organizers score deal that could lower signature requirement, Jeffries warns against 'xenophobic activity' from 'MAGA Republicans' as House China Select Committee kicks off, Sen. Mike Lee suspended by Twitter, 'seeking answers', Massachusetts Gov. Link Copied! Reach reporter Morgan Watkins at mwatkins@courierjournal.com. 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. 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. The Washington Post found a handful of other GOP candidates including Rep. Mo Brooks, the Trump-backed candidate in Alabama who were noncommittal, refusing to say whether they'd back McConnell or not. 2 Senate Republican who faces voters in South Dakota next year, told CNN in a statement. If Trump mounts another run for president, the shine of being Senate GOP leader might dull a bit. 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. 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.. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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. CNN In August, Mitch McConnell told a hard truth . So Im convinced that if I run, I win. 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. ", And the senator noted that "my wife is a trooper and believes in what we do, and we came to the conclusion it was the right thing to give the people of South Dakota an opportunity to let us keep going.". 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. 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. 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. And I never rule anything out, Thune said in a Tuesday interview. And, what can be accomplished?. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell on Monday said he's optimistic about the 2022 midterm elections for Republicans. Theyre all named John, arent they? said Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.). Vermont Sen. Patrick Leahy won't seek reelection next year, House retirement tracker: Senior Democrats exit as the GOP is confident of a takeover. Those term limits, however, do not apply to the top leader. and so what comes next? Daily News Update But thats a decision Ill make., Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) arrives at the U.S. Capitol on April 25, 2022. It validates him as leader in a really big way. John Cornyn (Texas), the former GOP whip, and Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) Sen. Mike Braun (R-Ind.) Senate.". Then he cut a series of bipartisan deals that upset the right. Even out of office he has caused headaches for Senate GOP leadership by weighing into fights over the infrastructure bill and the debt ceiling. We underperformed among independents and moderates because their impression of many of the people in our party, in leadership roles, is that theyre causing chaos, negativity, excessive attacks. Hes not impulsive from anyway that I can tell, except on a basketball court, Cramer said of his fellow Dakotan. 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. Lee is expected to remain similarly neutral in a primary if Romney runs again, according to a person familiar with his plans. 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. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell speaks during a press conference at the US Capitol on September 28, 2022. But Trump remains very popular with Republican voters and extremely influential with many GOP politicians as he continues to play a kingmakers role in party politics and repeatedly flirts with making another White House run in 2024. "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. Leader McConnell has my full support and confidence. I do, Scott said when asked if he stands by supporting McConnell as leader. 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.". They may be surprised. Johns a cautious man. He has Still, should he run, Romney cant expect unified backing from the Senate Republican conference. Senate Minority Whip John Thune (R-S.D.) 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 serves on the Senate Commerce Committee and has played a leading role in telecommunications issues, including efforts to promote broadband. Several GOP senators have decided to exit this cycle. 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. I think theres probably a greater likelihood the House flips than the Senate, the Senate minority leader said at nor former Senate Republican Whip John Cornyn (R-Texas) - appear to be actively jockeying to replace 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. The filing deadline was January 25, 2022. Democrats didn't win a 60-seat Senate majority, so McConnell and other Republican senators retain their ability to block most legislation. Environmental justice investors: Its the demand-side, stupid! are also viewed as jockeying for the top spot. Theres no sign McConnell would give a Reid-style boost to either Cornyn or Thune, though he publicly encouraged Thune to run again. Could a White House race be in his political future? "It was really about that. 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. Thune earned Trumps ire a year ago for publicly dismissing his efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss to Joe Biden. Sen. Mitch McConnell (Ky.) on Wednesday easily won reelection as Senate GOP leader, fending off a conservative challenge led by Sen. Rick Scott (Fla.). 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. on Tuesday said no one's making a move to replace McConnell. But McConnell, who will turn 80 in February, made clear on Tuesday that he doesn't plan to step down from the Senate Republican leader's job anytime soon, despite Trump's pressure. And with the former president weakened, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, no fan of Trump himself, is among the top Republicans exhorting Romney to As the second-highest-ranking person in leadership, to me hes the logical successor.. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. President Trump is well liked up here, Clary said. Webciccotti center program guide 2022; romantic things to do in hollywood, fl; where is hollis and nancy homestead located; houses to rent in nashville, tn under $800; middlesboro daily news arrests; top chef 2021 replay; what does malika mean in the bible. 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. Hes great. 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. 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 Roy Blunt (R-Mo. CNN contacted the 16 Senate Republicans up for reelection in 2022 on Thursday about whether they still back McConnell and just three responded. Theres a very simple answer: Yes. McConnell says he will do everything possible to ensure Romney succeeds. If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here. Among the many Republican senators who did not respond when asked whether they still support McConnell were his Kentucky colleague, Sen. Rand Paul, and Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson, whos been sharply critical of the GOP leader in recent radio interviews following McConnells remarks on the Senate floor. | 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). 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. Even so, he may face opposition from his own party if he runs, with Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes the most prominent possibility. Yet Trumps attacks ceased, and as he measured his future, Thune said the possibility of one day becoming Republican leader put additional weight on the side of staying around, for sure.. Incoming National Republican Senatorial Committee Chair Steve Daines (R-Mont.) Trump successfully chilled FBI from being willing to investigate anything related to him: Peter Strzok. With Thunes announcement, Senate Republicans are just waiting to hear from one member GOP Sen. Ron Johnson (Wis.), who had previously pledged to retire after 2022 but has sounded increasingly likely to run again. Kristi Noem to launch a primary challenge against him. Just because McConnell can still lead filibusters of legislation doesn't mean he'll stymie everything. Maura Healey unveils state budget proposal highlighted by free community college. It shows his strength, Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), who voted for McConnell, said of Wednesdays election. Im really pleasantly surprised that this was not a lot of sitting around and wringing hands. But in the immediate term, Trump has laid off Thune even after the senator announced his reelection run. John Thune presents a great image for our party. John Thune of South Dakota serves as the No. Anybody who wants to run for it can feel free to do so. But theyare feeling increasingly confident about their chances of winning back the Senate, where they only need a net pickup of one seat to get the majority. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell gives a thumbs-up as he leaves a meeting with Senate Republicans at the Capitol on Nov. 16, 2022. 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. The final vote was 37-10, with one Republican voting present.. 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. John Thune of South Dakota serves as the No. 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. His negotiating partner and friend Sinema raved over Romney as he makes up his mind: I do like Mitt Romney so much. Hes a key player in the Senates centrist negotiating groups that have helped craft new laws on infrastructure, gun safety and marriage equality and he wants to continue that style of work as long as hes a senator. Those term limits, however, do not apply to the top leader. 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. She said the support she got from other teams was 'overwhelming. McConnell-allied groups took the opposite tack, seeking initially to boost more traditional establishment-type Republicans. 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. Plus, McConnell remains one of Congress'top four leaders. McConnell said it "would be real setback for the party and for the country if he retired and I certainly hope he won't.". Its a unique sort of a race because you know who the voters are, and its not really influenced by outside influences. The gender pay gap has stayed largely unchanged for 20 years. 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