The Republican Party won the majority in the Senate on Election Day, providing Senators Rick Scott (R-FL), John Cornyn (R-TX), and John Thune (R-SD) with more motivation to become their party’s leader in the upper chamber.
Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) has served as the leader of the Senate Republican Conference since 2007. He announced his intention to step down in late February.
Sen. Scott reaffirmed that he would seek the position of majority leader, ensuring that he would be the “change” candidate within the party leadership.
We have been given a mandate by the American people to support President Trump’s agenda and Make Washington WORK again.
I’m running to be the next Senate Majority leader to do just that.#LetsGetToWork pic.twitter.com/qwe9Oj4Cid
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) November 6, 2024
“I’m going to run, and I’m going to win,” said Sen. Scott on Fox Business’ “Kudlow” the day after the election.
“And here’s why: I’ve been talking to my Republican colleagues, guess what? They want change. They know that 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,” said Sen. Scott.
He continued, touting his connections with President-elect Donald Trump (R) and his business acumen.
“They know I have 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,” said Sen. Scott. “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.”
However, Sen. Cornyn touted his own record and stated that he has “learned what works and what does not” during his time in the upper chamber.
“From my experience both as Whip advancing President Trump’s agenda through the Senate to serving as a rank-and-file member now, I have learned what works and what does not,” said Sen. Cornyn. “We will restore the important role of Senate committees and reestablish the regular appropriations process.”
Sen. Cornyn continued, adding that he would end “backroom deals” and other shady practices in the Senate.
“We will improve communication, increase transparency, and tap into the wealth of talent in the conference to include everyone’s expertise and opinions. And we will return power back to the members; there will be no more backroom deals or forced votes on bills without adequate time for review, debate, and amendment,” said Cornyn.
Sen. Thune appeared on Fox News on Wednesday as well and provided his thoughts on the race for Senate Majority Leader.
Senate Republicans are ready to get to work to secure the border, renew American energy dominance, and lower costs for families. With President Trump in the White House, we will work hand-in-hand to get America back on track. pic.twitter.com/IaaRyLG3P0
— Senator John Thune (@SenJohnThune) November 6, 2024
“Leadership elections are secret ballot elections, so it’s a small constituency, so we’re all making the contacts obviously in doing our best to persuade and convince our colleagues that each of us is the right person for the job. So those conversations continue,” said Sen. Thune.
“I think however that comes out next week we obviously need to able to work closely with a Trump administration, hopefully with a Republican House, on an agenda that’s good for this country, Sen. Thune said.
Republican senators will choose their next leader in the upper chamber after they are sworn in on January 3.
