President-elect Donald Trump has reportedly dismissed the bid by Florida Senator Rick Scott to become the next Senate Majority leader after Mitch McConnell steps down from his post in January after almost two decades. According to Axios, Trump privately told allies before his victory that Scott's pursuit was "not serious" despite their good relationship.
A Trump campaign official, however, rejected the outlet's report, saying the president-elect "hasn't weighed in on the leadership race and anyone who says differently is wrong." Axios claims that people close to Trump have signaled support for Scott, with the reelected senator hoping they can sway him. Sen. Ron Johnson has publicly called Trump to do so, while controversial right-wing commentator Laura Loomer has been stumping for Scott.
Scott has shown confidence in his chances even though he got just 10 votes in his last bid for leadership. "I'm going to win. And here's why. I've been talking to my Republican colleagues, Guess what? They want change. They know that Donald Trump has a mandate. They want to be part of that mandate. They want to be treated as equals. They want to be part of a team. They want to have a working relationship with the House," Scott said in an interview with Fox Business this week.
"They know I've got a great working relationship with Trump, with Speaker Mike Johnson, they know I'm a business guy, business guys get things done. We create a plan. We work our mission, we measure things, we create teams. That's exactly what we want in the Senate, and that's why I'll be the next majority leader and we're going to get Trump's agenda accomplished," he added.
Trump did back Scott on his bid two years ago, but he has not spoken publicly regarding the upcoming contest. The GOP has already secured control of the Upper House for the next two years, flipping at least three seats to get at least 53 with three more races yet to be called.
Scott is set to face off against Senators John Cornyn from Texas and John Thune from South Dakota, considered the frontrunners. The voting will take place next week, and senators are not saying publicly who they will back. Despite the seemingly long odds, Scott believes Florida's shift to the Republican Party over the last years could help propel him to the forefront of the national scene.
"Florida is the center of the Republican party today and Washington can learn a lot about what Florida has done," Scott said.
© 2024 Latin Times. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
