Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) has thrown his hat into the ring for Republican leadership in the upper chamber. He has received a flurry of endorsements for the position from fellow lawmakers in Congress such as Representative Greg Steube (R-FL) to elected officials in the state of Florida such as Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis (R-FL).
During an appearance on Fox News’ “The Ingraham Angle,” Sen. Scott spoke on his plan to fight back against government spending that has left the United States trillions of dollars in debt.
Our country is in big trouble. Look at the border, the debt, inflation. Washington is broken.
We don’t need minor adjustments, we need a sea change to make Washington work for YOU. That’s what I’m fighting for and why I’m running to be the Senate Republican leader. pic.twitter.com/LiXH1s4qg5
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) May 23, 2024
“Conservative voters want us to stand for something. Stand for something. Let’s stand and fight over the border. Let’s stand and fight over spending. Let’s stand and fight over making sure Israel gets helped, but we don’t waste all our money,” said Sen. Scott.
When pressed about how he would address omnibus bills that push trillions of dollars of taxpayer funds, the Florida senator said he would have a “real appropriations process” should he become the next Republican leader.
“I did a letter to all my colleagues, so here’s what I committed: We’re not doing that anymore. We’re going to have a real appropriations process,” said Scott. “We’re going to figure out how to balance the budget. I balanced the budget every year as governor, we should be able to do it here. You have to do it in your personal life.”
Furthermore, Sen. Scott has received approval from Rep. Steube.
.@SenRickScott is the leader the Senate needs! He turned around Florida’s economy as governor and we desperately need a principled conservative in the Senate who understands why it’s important to cut spending.
Senator Rick Scott is a tested leader. I fully support his candidacy…
— Greg Steube (@gregsteube) May 22, 2024
“Senator Rick Scott is the leader the Senate needs! He turned around Florida’s economy as governor and we desperately need a principled conservative in the Senate who understands why it’s important to cut spending. Senator Rick Scott is a tested leader. I fully support his candidacy for the next Senate Republican Leader!”
Additionally, the Florida CFO gave the nod of approval as well with a simple message.
Congress is so broken. He can fix it. #flapol https://t.co/fio9c8O0gI
— Jimmy Patronis (@JimmyPatronis) May 22, 2024
“Congress is so broken. He can fix it,” said Patronis.
Finally, Sen. Scott might have secured the support of former President Donald Trump (R), too.
Sources close to the Scott campaign revealed to The Floridian that after the former Florida Governor spoke with Trump, he was "supportive" of Scott's endeavors.
On Fox News, Scott said that Trump was “excited” that he was running for party leadership.
I’m running for Senate Republican Leader.
It’s time for real change in Washington. pic.twitter.com/6ixk1o3Q2D
— Rick Scott (@ScottforFlorida) May 23, 2024
Senators John Thune (R-SD) and John Cornyn (R-TX) have also announced their candidacy for the position.
Senator Ted Cruz spoke to The Floridian regarding Scott's candidacy. For now, he does not appear to have anyone in particular in mind.
"I think we'll see several people run and I expect a vigorous contested election," said Sen. Cruz. "My hope is that this leader election provides an opportunity to change how the Republican Conference operates. I've sat down and spoken with all three of the candidates who are currently running, John Cornyn, John Thune, Rick Scott, they're all friends. I've worked closely with all three of them. As for me, I'm going to keep my powder dry. I'm going to listen with an open mind."
