Senate Republicans, who are competing to succeed the long-standing leader Mitch McConnell, have been actively traveling across the nation to campaign and raise funds for their colleagues. Their efforts are aimed at making a final impression before the pivotal vote taking place the week following the presidential election. However, their campaign strategies are mostly conducted in private, and the majority of GOP senators have yet to publicly declare their support for any particular candidate.
Senators John Thune of South Dakota, currently serving as McConnell’s second-in-command, and John Cornyn of Texas, who previously held that position, are the primary contenders in the secret ballot scheduled for November 13 to replace McConnell. The Kentucky senator plans to step down in January after serving nearly two decades in the role. The victor in this contest could potentially guide the party’s future trajectory and may assume the role of Senate majority leader if the Republicans secure enough seats in the upcoming Tuesday election, though the outcome remains uncertain at present.
So far, only a handful of Republican senators have openly endorsed a candidate, with many remaining undecided. Florida Senator Rick Scott, considered a close ally of Donald Trump, is also in the race, although he is simultaneously focused on his reelection campaign. There remains the possibility of another candidate entering the fray.
Both Thune and Cornyn share notable similarities, presenting a challenging decision for their colleagues. They are both highly regarded and align with the traditional faction of the Republican Party, akin to McConnell. Nonetheless, both have indicated plans to transition from the McConnell era by adopting a more transparent leadership approach.
“I’m trying to find differentiation because they’re both great guys,” commented Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina, who has collaborated closely with both contenders.
As they attempt to distinguish themselves from McConnell, both Thune and Cornyn have expressed their support for Donald Trump in the current presidential election. Both have previously experienced tensions with Trump, particularly following the January 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol. However, both have since engaged with Trump frequently, participated in campaign events, and visited his residence in Florida.
The potential influence of Trump in endorsing a candidate remains a significant factor. Cornyn acknowledged in September, “This is obviously an election between senators, and I think that’s where the voters are.”
Some of Trump’s staunchest Senate allies are advising him to remain impartial. Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin, backing Thune, has attempted to dissuade Trump from making an endorsement, emphasizing Trump’s need to collaborate with the forthcoming leader.
Senator Tillis has suggested that an endorsement from Trump could have adverse effects. “You have to be careful with the psychology of the Senate,” he remarked, highlighting the close-knit nature of the Senate’s membership.
Nevertheless, Thune and Cornyn are maintaining their relationships with Trump, with both attending recent campaign events alongside the former president.
Senator Thune, who criticized Trump’s attempts to prevent the peaceful transition of power following the January 6 events, described his expected future relationship with Trump as professional in an interview with the Associated Press during the summer. If both are victorious in their respective elections, Thune stated, “we’ve got a job to do.”
Meanwhile, Senator Scott, a long-time acquaintance of Trump and a vigorous supporter, traveled to New York to back Trump during his trial. A Trump endorsement for Scott could potentially garner additional votes or grant him leverage in his campaign.
Both Thune and Cornyn have been actively fundraising and campaigning across the nation for fellow senators. Thune has reportedly made over twenty campaign appearances and raised more than $31 million during this campaign cycle, including a significant contribution to the Senate Republican campaign fund. Cornyn’s long-standing fundraising efforts during his tenure in the Senate have reportedly amassed over $400 million.
On policy matters, Thune and Cornyn generally align with their party while occasionally collaborating with Democrats. Cornyn, a veteran member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, played a significant role in bipartisan gun legislation two years prior, while Thune previously chaired the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee.
The question of whether either candidate could secure support from the minority faction of Republican senators who have frequently opposed McConnell’s stance on issues such as Ukraine aid and his critiques of Trump remains open. Cornyn has proposed implementing term limits for Republican leaders as a gesture toward this group, advocating for more active engagement from colleagues within the Senate.
Senator Josh Hawley, part of the more conservative cohort, is yet to make a decision on the race, expressing interest in knowing how the candidates plan to legislate and cooperate with a potential Trump presidency.
In this evolving dynamic, some members of the conservative faction, including Scott and Utah Senator Mike Lee, have suggested reducing leadership power while empowering individual senators. Although neither candidate has engaged in negotiations regarding these demands, both have acknowledged the expressed concerns within the party.
Senator Thune indicated a willingness to consider adjustments to the leader’s role, but he emphasized maintaining a balance that avoids diminishing the leader’s effectiveness. Tillis warned against any candidate attempting to curry favor by weakening their position, stating such appeasement would render them unfit for leadership.
Furthermore, business leaders and intellectuals will convene at the Fortune Global Forum on November 11 and 12 in New York City. This event will feature sessions and discussions along with participation from Fortune 500 CEOs, former Cabinet members, and other notable figures.
