Names are already emerging to succeed Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., who is stepping down in November.
The 82-year-old is the longest-serving party leader in Senate history and the man who was once his No. 2 in the leadership has officially thrown his hat into the ring.
Texas Senator John Cornyn became the first Republican to announce that he is making a bid for the leadership position. saying In a statement Thursday, “I am asking my Republican colleagues to give me the opportunity to succeed Leader McConnell.”
“I think the Senate is broken, that's not news to anybody. The good news is that it can be fixed, and I intend to play a big role in fixing it,” Cornyn said, provoking fiery responses from critics.
“From experience, I've learned what works in the Senate and what doesn't,” he added. “And I am confident that Senate Republicans can restore our institution to the essential role it plays in our constitutional republic.”
Senator John Thune, RS.D. and John Barrasso, R-Wyo., have also been mentioned as possible successors to McConnell, though neither has officially announced anything.
Cornyn, who served two terms as chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, reminded fellow Republican senators that he has “built a track record of listening to his colleagues and seeking consensus, while leading the fight to stop the evils policies that are harmful to our nation. and the conservative cause.”
New since @JohnCornyn
“I am asking my Republican colleagues to give me the opportunity to succeed Leader McConnell.”#txlege pic.twitter.com/usAeMZEV0y
— Cameron Abrams (@CameronSAbrams) February 29, 2024
It also pledged to “improve communication, increase transparency and ensure the inclusion of every member's experience and opinion”.
“We will restore the important role of Senate committees and restore the regular adjudication process, instead of moving from one crisis to the next. And we will return the power to our members; no more backroom deals or forced votes on bills without adequate time for review, debate and amendment,” Cornyn vowed, apparently addressing some Republicans' criticism of McConnell's decisions.
Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, has often criticized McConnell and had a message for potential successors.
Whoever wants to be the next Senate GOP leader should tell Senate Republicans, as specifically as possible, how they would do the job differently than it has been done since 2007.
— Mike Lee (@BasedMikeLee) February 29, 2024
Florida Sen. Rick Scott, who is challenging McConnell for office in 2022, issued a statement after the GOP leader's announcement.
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) February 28, 2024
Cornyn has supported former President Donald Trump in his re-election bid and, according to Fox News, “is said to have voted with Trump more than 92 percent of the time during his tenure in the White House.”
Cornyn's announced announcement to be Senate leader got some heated responses on X where even Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton asked users if the senator is “conservative enough” to lead the GOP.
John Cornyn couldn't get out of a paper bag. https://t.co/Dxvi0LIISp
— Michael Quinn Sullivan (@MQSullivan) February 29, 2024
John Cornyn is Mitch McConnells Mitt Romney
— Vince Langman (@LangmanVince) February 29, 2024
Mitch McConnell's aide John Cornyn threatens Ken Paxton with the law over political differences. Very unpopular approach to take with Republicans and strange way to campaign to replace the unpopular McConnell. https://t.co/dcTPF4dO0O
— Mollie (@MZHemingway) February 29, 2024
It will be difficult for @JohnCornyn to be an effective leader as he is anti-Trump, anti-gun, and will focus on his highly competitive primary campaign in 2026. Republicans deserve better in their next leader and Texans deserve another conservative senator. https://t.co/IKJYcoXzat
— Attorney General Ken Paxton (@KenPaxtonTX) February 29, 2024
Texas Senator John Cornyn has officially entered the race to succeed Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. Believe it or not, Cornyn, also a RINO, would actually be a SIGNIFICANT Descent from McConnell. pic.twitter.com/SfD8AKjgZg
— drmini14 (@drmini141) February 29, 2024
John Cornyn is a feckless, weak RINO who should not be anywhere near the leadership in the Senate. Give me Ted Cruz, Rand Paul, Ron Johnson, just someone who stands up to the Democrats and the media who will also advance the America First agenda.
— Just⚡️Cross (@Craftmastah) February 29, 2024
HELL NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sen. John Cornyn declares candidacy for minority leader after McConnell resignshttps://t.co/SYyBmDf6Y3
— Lou Dobbs (@LouDobbs) February 29, 2024
Not only no, but hell NO. @JohnCornyn he is a TDS suffering, Trump hating, America Last, RINO.
DEMONS NO. https://t.co/7rZ78TroqJ
— SocialismSucs (@SocialismSucs) February 29, 2024
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