Senate Republicans are gearing up for a crucial ballot to replace longtime leader Mitch McConnell, who is stepping down from his post in January after nearly two decades. The front-runners in the upcoming Nov. 13 secret ballot are John Thune of South Dakota and John Cornyn of Texas, both of whom are campaigning and fundraising across the country to secure support from their colleagues.
While many GOP senators have not publicly endorsed a candidate yet, Thune and Cornyn are making their pitches behind closed doors. Both candidates, often referred to as 'the two Johns,' share similarities in their political leanings, aligning with the traditional wing of the Republican Party. However, they have also expressed a desire to move away from the McConnell era towards a more open approach.
