Republican senators are gearing up to choose a new Senate GOP leader next week, with the endorsement of Sen. John Cornyn, R-Tx., by Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo. The selection process will involve a secret ballot vote scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 13.
In his statement, Hawley expressed his support for Cornyn, citing his instrumental role in securing the Senate majority in the past two years. Hawley highlighted Cornyn's efforts in fundraising for competitive Senate races, including his own, and praised his advocacy for the RECA compromise to compensate individuals affected by government-related poisoning.
Among the contenders for the Senate GOP leader position are Republican Sens. Rick Scott of Florida and John Thune of South Dakota. Thune, the current Senate Republican Whip, and Cornyn's predecessor in the role, is facing competition from Scott, who previously served as the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) chair.
The upcoming leadership change follows Sen. Mitch McConnell's announcement earlier this year that he would be stepping down as Senate Republican leader after serving in the position since 2007. McConnell's decision has set the stage for a new leader to guide the Senate GOP in the upcoming term.
Scott expressed his hope for President-elect Donald Trump's endorsement for the leadership role, while Thune indicated his preference for Trump to refrain from involvement in the leadership race. The outcome of the Senate GOP leader selection will have significant implications for the direction and priorities of the Republican Party in the Senate.
