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By Phil McCauslandBBC News, New York
fake imagesMitch McConnell announced Wednesday that he intends to step down as the longest-serving Senate Republican leader following the November general election.
For nearly 20 years, Republicans have relied on Kentucky’s effective legislator to push through conservative priorities.
Since announcing the news, Washington has been quick to speculate who might replace McConnell, who has deftly held his fractured party together of late.
Those vying to succeed McConnell, 82, face the daunting prospect of appealing to rival wings of the party. The eventual replacement will have to win the support of a majority of Senate Republicans.
Below are some possible successors.
Senator John Cornyn of Texas
fake imagesThe Texas senator on Thursday became the first lawmaker to officially throw his hat in the ring for the job.
Cornyn once served on McConnell’s leadership team and remains a close confidant of the Kentucky politician. He is widely considered a strong Senate operative thanks to his 22 years of legislative experience.
In a statement announcing he was running for McConnell’s seat, he highlighted this experience.
“I ask my Republican colleagues to give me the opportunity to succeed the leader [Mitch] McConnell. I have learned a lot during my time in and out of Senate leadership,” said Mr. Cornyn. “Throughout my time I have built a track record of listening to my colleagues and seeking consensus, while leading the fight to stop evil policies that are detrimental to our nation and the conservative cause.”
Being out of leadership could also be a benefit, since he was not involved in the recent agreement to approve foreign aid in the Senate. He, too, was not part of the failed border security negotiations, which proved unpopular in the Republican Conference.
And while Cornyn has criticized Trump in the past, he endorsed the former president last month. He also never supported any of Trump’s rivals, which saved him from earning the wrath of the Maga movement.
Senator John Thune of South Dakota
fake imagesThune is usually the first mentioned of the “three Johns” who are considered leading candidates to take over McConnell’s leadership role.
The South Dakota senator is currently the Republican leader, second in command after McConnell, and is known as an effective fundraiser within his party. He is also seen as a moderating force among Republicans, who have taken a sharp turn to the right under the leadership of former President Donald Trump.
But Thune’s leadership position could also undermine his ambition to take over from McConnell. Some Senate Republicans, particularly Trump allies, have made clear they would like a new leader.
It’s worth noting that Thune only endorsed the former president’s candidacy a few days before McConnell’s announcement. Trump also endorsed the South Dakota senator’s Republican rival in the 2022 primary.
Senator John Barrasso of Wyoming
fake imagesAs chairman of the Republican Conference, Barrasso has an influential position within the party’s leadership in the Senate, and has also never crossed paths with Trump.
That could prove to be the recipe needed to win the support of many of his fellow Republicans if he were to take McConnell’s leadership position.
Barrasso was the second senator to endorse Trump’s candidacy ahead of the 2024 primary campaign, and he has endorsed a slate of candidates who are on par with the former president.
He immediately dismissed questions from reporters when asked if he intends to fight for McConnell’s seat, saying he remains focused on the results of the November election.
Senator Rick Scott of Florida
fake imagesScott angered several of his Republican colleagues when he challenged McConnell 15 months ago.
He burned more bridges with them by proposing that several popular federal programs, such as Medicare and Social Security, be renegotiated every five years.
Even Trump, who has supported the Florida politician, has warned Scott to “be careful” with his political suggestions.
While Scott’s chances of running again or winning the leadership job appear low, he has maintained that the Senate needs new leadership. That comment was reflected in the statement he shared after McConnell’s announcement.
“I have been very clear and have long believed that we need new leadership in the Senate that represents our voters and the issues we were sent here to fight for,” Mr. Scott said.
The dark horses
While all four men are the most likely candidates, Capitol Hill can always surprise political observers. After all, few would have considered Mike Johnson, a little-known congressman from Louisiana, as a viable candidate for House speaker.
Sen. Steve Daines of Montana could be a strong underdog candidate for the job. He currently chairs the National Republican Senatorial Committee and is leading the party’s efforts to regain the majority in the Senate.
Many Republicans are optimistic about their chances thanks to his efforts, and the party’s electoral success in November could raise Daines’ profile even further. Trump also encouraged the Montana Republican to run for the leadership position, according to a Politico report.
Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa, who was vice chair of the Republican conference until January, is considered another potential candidate and a reliable Trump supporter.
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