Senator Ted Cruz of Texas announced his endorsement of Senator Rick Scott of Florida on Wednesday morning ahead of the leadership elections. Cruz expressed his support for Scott, highlighting their previous collaboration and his belief in the need for a change in GOP leadership.
The endorsement dealt a blow to Senator John Cornyn of Texas, who is also vying for the leadership position. Cornyn's office did not provide a comment in response to Cruz's endorsement.
During a leader candidate forum led by Senator Mike Lee of Utah on Tuesday night, Cruz engaged in a substantive conversation but did not reveal his voting decision or potential support for Cornyn.
Senator Rick Scott is running for leader alongside Senator John Thune of South Dakota. Both Scott and Thune received endorsements from their respective home state senators, including Senators Mike Rounds of South Dakota and Marco Rubio of Florida.
Scott has garnered public support from several senators, including Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, Mike Lee of Utah, Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, Bill Hagerty of Tennessee, Rand Paul of Kentucky, and Tommy Tuberville of Alabama. Thune, on the other hand, has the backing of Rounds, Kevin Cramer of North Dakota, John Hoeven of North Dakota, and Steve Daines of Montana.
Senator Josh Hawley has publicly endorsed Senator John Cornyn. With three candidates competing for a majority vote in the 53-member conference, the secret ballot election may proceed to a second round if no candidate secures a majority in the first round. In such a scenario, some senators may choose to shift their support to a different candidate.
