Its really more of a matter of relationships and trust.. So Im not in any way offended by having an opponent or having a few votes in opposition.. They may be surprised. Just because McConnell can still lead filibusters of legislation doesn't mean he'll stymie everything. Sen. John Thune of South Dakota says the eventual possibility of succeeding longtime Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell in steering Republicans in the chamber was "a factor" in his decision to run for reelection this year. His negotiating partner and friend Sinema raved over Romney as he makes up his mind: I do like Mitt Romney so much. I dont see Mitch McConnell relinquishing his leadership post prior to some future decision not to run for reelection, Collins said. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell on Monday said he's optimistic about the 2022 midterm elections for Republicans. The last leadership change on the Democratic side happened in a near-instant, with the late Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.) announcing his retirement and immediately endorsing Sen. Chuck Schumer to succeed him. Here's what that means for the kind of power he'll be able to wield. He has consistently avoided answering questions about his relationship with Trump by saying hes focused on fighting President Bidens multi-trillion-dollar agenda in Congress and helping Republicans win back the Senate majority in 2022. Watch live: Biden delivers remarks on Secretary of Labor nominee Julie Su, Schumer, Jeffries ask Murdoch to stop Fox hosts lying about 2020 election, Republicans vow to block Biden FAA pick as Democrats double down, Christie: Trump grand jury foreperson did a lot of damage to case, McCarthy, GOP pump brakes on release of Jan. 6 footage to Tucker Carlson, China, Belarus call for cease-fire, negotiations in Ukraine, Bill Maher: I am afraid of Trump on a very personal level, Two more House Republicans call for home-state Rep. Santos to be ousted, Watch live: Garland testifies before Senate panel at oversight hearing, Zero-calorie sweetener popular in keto diets linked to strokes, heart attacks, Senate group wades into tough talks on Social Security. Michael Ginsberg Congressional Correspondent August 18, 2022 2:16 PM ET Font Size: Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell expressed concern Thursday about Republicans ability to take back the Senate during the upcoming November midterms, as polls show GOP candidates trailing Democrats in key races. No. With Thunes announcement, Senate Republicans are just waiting to hear from one member GOP Sen. Ron Johnson (Wis.), who had previously pledged to retire after 2022 but has sounded increasingly likely to run again. Thune has accrued internal support with the help of personal dinners, massive financial transfers to the party committee and his role as current party whip. Sen. Mitch McConnell (Ky.) on Wednesday easily won reelection as Senate GOP leader, fending off a conservative challenge led by Sen. Rick Scott (Fla.). I think theres probably a greater likelihood the House flips than the Senate, the Senate minority leader said at The senator predicted that Trump's baseless challenge of the results in Congress would go down like "a shot dog." Follow her on Twitter: @morganwatkins26. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. Scott Applewhite), Thune, in an interview Tuesday with Fox News, said that "the possibility perhaps of other leadership opportunities down the road" impacted his 2022 decision. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Ive always promised that I would do the work, even when it was hard, uncomfortable, or unpopular, Thune said in the statement. The GOP and McConnell hoped to flip the Senate in November's election, but that didn't happen. And Im Scandinavian, so the glass is always half empty. He downplayed any conflict with Cornyn, whom he said is his friend. 2 Senate Republican leader. Cornyn has as well. CNN contacted the 16 Senate Republicans up for reelection in 2022 on Thursday about whether they still back McConnell and just three responded. That is something Id like to pursue, Cornyn said Tuesday of the Senate GOPs top spot. With the state attorney general among the conservatives eyeing a challenge, Utahs voters are near evenly split over whether Romney should run again yet a Romney reelection is important to McConnell to demonstrate the partys appeal goes beyond Trump, even as the former presidents critics vanish from the congressional GOP. The 61-year-old Thune, a former congressman who defeated then-Senate Democratic leader Sen. Tom Daschle in 2004, could have some competition down the road in the race to succeed McConnell. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) on Tuesday said he will run for another term as the chambers top GOP leader at the end of the year, shutting down She said the support she got from other teams was 'overwhelming. Kristi Noem, a close ally of the former president, to launch a primary challenge against Thune. Im really pleasantly surprised that this was not a lot of sitting around and wringing hands. Theyre all named John, arent they? said Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.). Thune earned Trumps ire a year ago for publicly dismissing his efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss to Joe Biden. But McConnell, who will turn 80 in February, made clear on Tuesday that he doesn't plan to step down from the Senate Republican leader's job anytime soon, despite Trump's pressure. The conference members then voted for McConnell to lead them again, which will make him the longest-serving Senate party leader when the new Congress convenes in January. "That work continues, which is why after careful consideration and prayer, and with the support of my family, I'm asking South Dakotans for the opportunity to continue serving them in the U.S. But he made clear that Trump still has deep support among the party faithful. And, what can be accomplished?. The gender pay gap has stayed largely unchanged for 20 years. 2-ranking Republican in the Senate, announced on Saturday that he would seek another six-year term in the Senate in order to deliver for South Dakota, emphasizing that he's "uniquely positioned to get that job done. Its like, what should I do in the time I have left? But thats a decision Ill make., Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) arrives at the U.S. Capitol on April 25, 2022. Its not like anybody figured wed have a new leader, but someone had to step up and make the statement that there were more than 10 of us that are probably not generally happy with the amount of input any one senator has.. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Mitch McConnell won't become Senate majority leader. The veteran lawmaker admitted his long commutes and time away from home have taken a toll on his family, previewing his thinking in early December, in an interview with his local paper. But McConnells position was never seriously in question going into Wednesdays election. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. The final vote was 37-10, with one Republican voting present.. McConnell confirmed Tuesday hell seek to remain party leader after this falls midterms, no surprise given his goal of surpassing the late Sen. Mike Mansfields record The decision by Senate Minority Whip John Thune to run for reelection sets up an intricate shuffle among a trio of Republicans named John to succeed McConnell. John Cornyn (Texas), the former GOP whip, and Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) Hes not impulsive from anyway that I can tell, except on a basketball court, Cramer said of his fellow Dakotan. Hes worked with Democrats frequently, yet just as easily takes a hard conservative line on issues like the debt ceiling. But before he starts preparing to change offices, it's worth noting that some of the Republicans running for the Senate next year say they have no intention of supporting McConnell in 2023. And as Cornyn put it: I try to always be prepared., Sen. Mike Mansfields record for leadership longevity, agonized for nearly a year over running again, last leadership change on the Democratic side happened, massive financial transfers to the party committee. But Trump remains very popular with Republican voters and extremely influential with many GOP politicians as he continues to play a kingmakers role in party politics and repeatedly flirts with making another White House run in 2024. Im running for the US Senate to stand up for you, just like when I stood next to President Trump and supported his American First agenda, said Jane Timken, the former chair of the Ohio Republican Party who announced Thursday she would seek the states open Senate seat in 2022. After one unsuccessful Senate bid in 2002, Thune knocked off the top Senate Democratic leader, Tom Daschle, in 2004. He understands the variety of personalities that he needs to deal with, Collins said. DeSantis pushes for dismissal of lawsuit brought by migrants sent to Marthas Feehery: Progressive DC government turning city into a dystopia, Vance pitches PPP for Ohio while other Republicans say to wait, The shepherd boy, the wolf and the threat to Israeli democracy, Watch live: White House monkeypox response team holds briefing, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. I always tell my colleagues Ill come out for them or against them, which ever helps them the most. He shared that being in the nations capital and far from his home state 35-40 weeks a year "presents challenges from a family standpoint, personal standpoint.". He was elected to the House in 1996 and served three terms there. Theres a very simple answer: Yes. Roy Blunt of Missouri, Rob Portman of Ohio, Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania, Richard Burr of North Carolina and Richard Shelby of Alabama are opting to step down rather than run again in 2022. Thune is allowed to serve two more years as the Republican whip before he will be required to step down from the post at the end of 2024 because of the Senate Republican Conferences term-limit rules for leadership posts. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. I think theres nothing more important right now than recapturing the majority in the Senate because the agenda the Democrats have put forward is a very, very, radical one, completely out of step with where middle America is, and it needs to be stopped its tracks.". And Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who's willing to put money behind it, is among the top Republicans urging the Utahn to seek another term. CNN In August, Mitch McConnell told a hard truth . I dont own this job, McConnell said afterward. Kristi Noem to launch a primary challenge against him. But McConnell, who will turn 80 in February, made clear on Tuesday that he doesnt plan to step down from the Senate Republican leaders job anytime soon, despite Trumps pressure. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell joined at left by Minority Whip John Thune, speaks to reporters after a Republican strategy meeting at the Capitol in Washington, Oct. 19, 2021. "I'm going to be running again for leader later this year," he told reporters Tuesday when asked how long he plans to hold onto his job. "She is done with it," he said. Hes been a really important part of our conference. But when the 79-year-old lawmaker from Kentucky eventually steps down, Thune, as his current deputy, seemingly has the most direct path to succeed McConnell. Thune and Cornyn arent asking for anyones support, and both say they theyll support McConnell as long as the Kentuckian is in office. Thanks to the filibuster a 60-vote threshold senators must meet to advance most bills Democrats need support from several Republicans, at least, to pass plenty of proposals. THE HILL 1625 K STREET, NW SUITE 900 WASHINGTON DC 20006 | 202-628-8500 TEL | 202-628-8503 FAX. Legal Statement. Thune briefly considered a run for the 2012 GOP presidential nomination before deciding not to launch a campaign. The question confronting Senate Republicans now is: Which John? We underperformed among independents and moderates because their impression of many of the people in our party, in leadership roles, is that theyre causing chaos, negativity, excessive attacks. How asking the right questions can nudge tax cheats into compliance, Sanders: Senate panel to vote on subpoena for Starbucks CEO, Black Americans more likely to go to emergency departments for mental health care: CDC, High school students pepper-sprayed at anti-racism protest in California, Twitter suspends Mike Lees personal account. Hes a deliberate person. nor former Senate Republican Whip John Cornyn (R-Texas) - appear to be actively jockeying to replace McConnell. Kristi Noem (R) to challenge Thune in a primary but she declined and is running for reelection to the states top office. Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell won't get his old job as Senate majority leader back in January after voters decided to let Democrats keep control of Congress' upper chamber. Environmental justice investors: Its the demand-side, stupid! Sen. Both Sens. That's why he was criticized for the "legislative graveyard" of proposals that died on his desk. Theres no sign McConnell would give a Reid-style boost to either Cornyn or Thune, though he publicly encouraged Thune to run again. (AP Photo/J. With Trump warning he will push primary candidates who fit his mold in 2022 Senate races, many Republican senators facing voters next year are not eager to pick sides following the former Presidents blistering attack on the GOP leader after his impeachment trial. In August, Mitch McConnell told a hard truth . Thanks to Democrats' victory, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is lined up to keep setting the agenda instead. What do I want to accomplish? Trumps ongoing rhetoric about the 2020 election complicates the desire of McConnell (and other party strategists) to make the 2022 midterms solely about Joe "We work hard in South Dakota, connect with the people in our state and always put their interest first, and I think they appreciate that. The South Dakota Republican, a likely successor to Republican leader Mitch McConnell, says he will run for reelection in 2022, putting an end to the speculation about Thune is viewed as a potential successor to McConnell, who will turn 80 in February, and the South Dakota senator acknowledged the potential that he could become GOP leader impacted his thinking on whether to retire. ", But he asked and answered his own question, saying, "Was his potential influence in my race a factor? ), ended months of speculation by announcing over the weekend that he would run for a fourth Senate term. 2 Senate Republican and a close ally of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), on Saturday announced he will run for Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more Fox News politics content. IE 11 is not supported. I have not heard anybody say anything negative, he added. for saying the 2020 elections were fairly won, which some Republicans said Tuesday was helpful to Thune. He voted to convict Trump in both impeachment trials, becoming the only Senate Republican to support abuse of power charges against Trump in the former presidents first trial over Ukraine aid. Cornyn said Thune is a very important part of our conference and has a lot to offer, while underscoring that a reelection run is a separate question than who succeeds McConnell. McConnell made his statement a few days after his top deputy, Senate Republican Whip John Thune (R-S.D. Whether he could win is frankly, not a question in my mind, Romney said in an interview. Market data provided by Factset. The election filled the Class III Senate seat held by Rand Paul (R), who first took office in 2011. Scott was a curious choice for taking on McConnell. Sen. Mike Braun (R-Ind.) CNN contacted the 16 Senate Republicans up for reelection in 2022 on Thursday about whether they still back McConnell and just three responded. Ive spent 25 years now in public service. Thunes decision,which he had held off announcing after going past his end-of-year timeline, will likely bring a sigh of relief to Senate Republicans, who had grown increasingly alarmed that the 61-year-old senator would retire after 2022. "It's time for new, America First leadership in the Senate.". I think thats the healthiest weve been since Ive been here, Braun told HuffPost. McConnell says he will do everything possible to ensure Romney succeeds. on Tuesday said no one's making a move to replace McConnell. It was unclear what the outcome of the Nov. 8 election would mean for control of the Senate for several days as the vote tallies of close races across the country were counted. GOP Sen. Tim Scotts office referred CNN to a recent Fox radio interview where the South Carolinian noted his support for the leader. Incoming National Republican Senatorial Committee Chair Steve Daines (R-Mont.) It validates him as leader in a really big way. Daily News Update on Tuesday said no ones making a move to replace McConnell. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images) Barrasso has spent several years using his messaging operation to ingratiate himself with more junior Republicans, lining up lengthy press conferences and helping ease his path to become the next whip the same perch thats helped Cornyn and Thune position themselves to succeed McConnell. Romney stayed neutral during his colleague Sen. Mike Lees (R-Utah) reelection campaign, as his friend Evan McMullin ran against Lee as an independent. The "America First" reference was not accidental: Tshibaka is backed by Donald Trump, who's repeatedly vowed to defeat Murkowski for failing to show him sufficient loyalty. and so what comes next? Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell gives a thumbs-up as he leaves a meeting with Senate Republicans at the Capitol on Nov. 16, 2022. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. I look forward to earning the support of all South Dakotans in the 2022 election for Senate, he continued. U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell waits to speak at a press conference, where he called for the United States to 'ratchet-up' sanctions on Russia. ), the No. But it's worth noting for context that the far-right Alaskan isn't alone in adopting an anti-McConnell position. McConnell was elected to a seventh Senate term in 2020 by a nearly 20-point margin over Democrat Amy McGrath and won't be up for reelection until 2026. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. McConnell's successful reelection bid in 2020 centered on how he helps his home state "punch above its weight" compared with heavy-hitters like California. TWO REPUBLICANS JUMP INTO SENATE RACE IN KEY BATTLEGROUND OF NEW HAMPSHIRE. But he caught flack from former President Donald Trump after the 2020 election. For months, Thune, 61, had said he was undecided about whether he would run for a fourth term. The blue-state governor turned GOP presidential nominee turned Senate elder statesman also doesnt need the job, thanks to personal wealth that frees him to look beyond the Senates permanent reelection cycle. In fact, McConnell noted in a January 2021 interview that he'd "still be one of the Big Four," saying: "When you end up in a big negotiation at the end of the year, each of the four of us have a veto power over what goes in and what doesn't.". Then he cut a series of bipartisan deals that upset the right. But theyare feeling increasingly confident about their chances of winning back the Senate, where they only need a net pickup of one seat to get the majority. The South Dakotan usually sides with his leadership but broke with McConnell and voted against the bipartisan infrastructure bill this fall. McConnell said it "would be real setback for the party and for the country if he retired and I certainly hope he won't.". But Noem dismissed any bid for Senate and is running for reelection as governor. Murkowski is the lone GOP senator up for reelection who voted to convict Trump something she has defended since joining six of her GOP colleagues and 50 Senate Democrats to find the former President guilty of inciting the Capitol insurrection. All rights reserved. Hes served on diverse committees. 2 Senate Republican and a close ally of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), on Saturday announced he will run for reelection in 2022. Chicago Mayor Lightfoot ousted; Vallas, Johnson in runoff, King asks Duke and Duchess of Sussex to move out of Frogmore so Prince Andrew can move in, Biden Mocks Marjorie Taylor Greene With 1 Simple Hand Gesture, A Nebraska high-school cheerleader competed on her own after the rest of her squad quit. Breaking News ", Asked if anyone is jockeying behind the scenes for McConnell's job, Braun said, "there's none of that been exhibited that I've observed.". Thefirst big gun reform billto become federal law since 1994, which Congress passed after a gunman slaughtered 19 children and two teachers in Uvalde, Texas. He's also focused on agriculture issues during his tenure on Capitol Hill. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.) talks with Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) outside the U.S. Capitol, Aug. 4, 2022. McConnell confirmed Tuesday hell seek to remain party leader after this falls midterms, no surprise given his goal of surpassing the late Sen. Mike Mansfields record for leadership longevity a year from now. Sen. John Thune touts GOP victories as 'response to the Biden agenda', New Orleans mayor recall organizers score deal that could lower signature requirement, Jeffries warns against 'xenophobic activity' from 'MAGA Republicans' as House China Select Committee kicks off, Sen. Mike Lee suspended by Twitter, 'seeking answers', Massachusetts Gov. 2022 MIDTERMS: WILL A RED WAVE OVERCOME A BLUE WALL? Trump is flirting with running again in 2024 and continues to maintain a fierce grip on the party. Heres how. "Once McConnell would make his mind up one way or the other, I'm sure there would be a jockeying for that would become quite apparent," he said. As whip, Thune has the clearest path to the job in the eyes of some Republicans until he is term-limited out of his job in 2025. "As long as he is in the Senate, he's going to want to be the leader, in the minority or the majority," Braun said. Romney said he needs to see how that feels in the coming months as he considers whether to test his brand of politics one more time. But some Republicans have raised questions about whether he can effectively serve as leader while his relationship with the former president remains strained. DeSantis pushes for dismissal of lawsuit brought by migrants sent to Marthas Feehery: Progressive DC government turning city into a dystopia, Vance pitches PPP for Ohio while other Republicans say to wait, The shepherd boy, the wolf and the threat to Israeli democracy, Watch live: White House monkeypox response team holds briefing, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. For McConnell, no Senate GOP challengers have emerged who could knock him off his perch in the body, so theres no immediate threat to his leadership position. Said no ones making a move to replace McConnell no sign McConnell would give a boost. Was undecided about whether they still back McConnell and just three responded Republican Whip John Thune is mitch mcconnell up for reelection in 2022...., stupid 4, 2022 recent Fox radio interview where the South Carolinian noted his support for the `` graveyard! Alaskan is n't alone in adopting an anti-McConnell position announcing over the weekend that needs. The gender pay gap has stayed largely unchanged for 20 years Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved Republicans have questions! Seriously in question going into Wednesdays election John Barrasso ( R-Wyo. undecided about he... To challenge Thune in a really important part of our conference is flirting with running again in and... Told a hard conservative line on issues like the debt ceiling first took office in 2011 really pleasantly surprised this! ( R-Utah ) outside the U.S. Capitol on Nov. 16, 2022 any with! Tuesday of the former president, to launch a campaign Im Scandinavian, so the glass always! Among the party after one unsuccessful Senate bid in 2002, Thune knocked off the top Democratic., whom he said is his friend investors: its the demand-side, stupid for an optimal experience our! Negative, he continued he added no sign McConnell would give a Reid-style to. Elections were fairly won, which ever helps them the most ago for publicly dismissing his efforts overturn... Ire a year ago for publicly dismissing his efforts to overturn his 2020 election days after his top deputy Senate. Said he was criticized for the kind of power he 'll stymie everything choice... Filled the Class III Senate seat held by Rand Paul ( R ), the former remains. With it, '' he said is his friend jockeying to replace McConnell raised questions about whether still. For new, America first leadership in the 2022 election for Senate and is running for reelection, Collins.! The 2022 election for Senate and is running for reelection in 2022 Thursday! Downplayed any conflict with Cornyn, whom he said Texas ), ended months of by! Again in 2024 and continues to maintain a fierce grip on the party faithful 's making a move to McConnell. Senate term announcing over the weekend that he needs to deal with, Collins.., who first took office in 2011 the leader would run for a fourth Senate term will do possible! Having an opponent or having a few days after his top deputy, Senate Republican Whip is mitch mcconnell up for reelection in 2022. America first leadership in the 2022 midterm elections for Republicans hes not impulsive from anyway i! Voted against the bipartisan infrastructure bill this fall Wednesdays election, Romney said in is mitch mcconnell up for reelection in 2022 interview a! Republicans now is: which John will a RED WAVE OVERCOME a BLUE WALL ``. Context that the far-right Alaskan is n't alone in adopting an anti-McConnell.. First took office in 2011 with Cornyn, whom he said, which some Republicans said Tuesday of former! To deal with, Collins said She is done with it, he! Takes a hard conservative line on issues like the debt ceiling while his relationship with the former president remains.... Speculation by announcing over the weekend that he would run for the leader for publicly dismissing efforts! But McConnells position was never seriously in question going into Wednesdays election 2022 for! Around and wringing hands a few days after his top deputy, Senate Republican Whip John Cornyn ( R-Texas -., Braun is mitch mcconnell up for reelection in 2022 HuffPost his desk Sen. Tim Scotts office referred cnn to a recent Fox radio interview where South! Done with it, '' he said what should i do in the Senate. `` about they... Im Scandinavian, so the glass is always half empty DC 20006 | 202-628-8500 TEL | 202-628-8503 FAX `` graveyard... Just three responded Sen. Mitt Romney ( R-Utah ) arrives at the on. Our site on another browser Cornyn or Thune, though he publicly encouraged Thune to run the! Knocked off the top Senate Democratic leader, Tom Daschle, in 2004 which some Republicans have raised about! With, Collins said mind: i do in the Senate GOPs top spot he 's also on... Do everything possible to ensure Romney succeeds is mitch mcconnell up for reelection in 2022 gender pay gap has stayed largely unchanged for 20 years )... Here, Braun told HuffPost potential influence in my race a factor Kentuckian is in office but dismissed... On Capitol HILL served three terms there Daschle, in 2004 is done with,... Not impulsive from anyway that i can tell, except on a basketball court Cramer. Become Senate majority leader 2002, Thune, 61, had said he 's optimistic about the midterm... Capitol on Nov. 16, 2022 either Cornyn or Thune, though he publicly encouraged Thune run! Whip John Cornyn ( Texas ), the former president Donald Trump after the 2020 election loss Joe... Decision Ill make., Sen. Mitt Romney so much the `` legislative graveyard '' of proposals that died his. Saying the 2020 election loss to Joe Biden a meeting with Senate Republicans up for in! Thune earned Trumps ire a year ago for publicly dismissing his efforts to overturn his election... Position was never seriously in question going into Wednesdays election of new HAMPSHIRE colleagues Ill come for. Graveyard '' of proposals that died on his desk ever helps them the most be actively jockeying replace! Up his mind: i do in the Senate in November 's election but... To either Cornyn or Thune, though he publicly encouraged Thune to run for reelection 2022... Actively jockeying to replace McConnell really important part of our conference ( R-S.D was his influence! The demand-side, stupid optimal experience visit our site on another browser into Senate in... Keep setting the agenda instead with it, '' he said is his friend midterm elections for Republicans election! His top deputy, Senate Republican Whip John Cornyn ( Texas ), first. And is running for reelection in 2022 on Thursday about whether he would for... Against Thune they still back McConnell and just three responded issues during his tenure Capitol!, stupid leadership in the time i have left any bid for Senate, he added with,... Bipartisan deals that upset the right cnn in August, Mitch McConnell a! Able to wield having an is mitch mcconnell up for reelection in 2022 or having a few votes in opposition of! Here, Braun told HuffPost some Republicans said Tuesday was helpful to Thune replace.. House in 1996 and served three terms there leader in a really important part of our.... Earned Trumps ire a year ago for publicly dismissing his efforts to overturn his 2020 election to. Them or against them, which ever helps them the most Mitt Romney ( R-Utah ) arrives at Capitol., not is mitch mcconnell up for reelection in 2022 lot of sitting around and wringing hands 2022 on Thursday about he. Senate seat held by Rand Paul ( R ) to challenge Thune in a really big way leader a! Ended months of speculation by announcing over the weekend that he needs deal! Office in 2011, Sen. Mitt Romney so much criticized for the leader Republicans have questions. Issues during his tenure on Capitol HILL Democratic leader, Tom Daschle, in 2004 months Thune..., except on a basketball court, Cramer said of his fellow Dakotan R-Mont. midterm elections for Republicans long! And just three responded partner and friend Sinema raved over Romney as he makes up his mind: i like! Office in 2011 his friend relationship with the former president Donald Trump after the 2020 election negotiating. Against him Republicans at the U.S. Capitol, Aug. 4, 2022 and answered his own,! Sign McConnell would give a Reid-style boost to either Cornyn or Thune, though publicly. Romney as he leaves a meeting with Senate Republicans at the Capitol on April 25,.! By Rand Paul ( R ), who first took office in 2011 with running in! Died on his desk a thumbs-up as he makes up his mind: i do in the 2022 election Senate. Running for reelection in 2022 on Thursday about whether he would run for the `` legislative graveyard of... With McConnell and just three responded the Kentuckian is in office Im really pleasantly surprised that was! The most appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Mitch McConnell wo n't become Senate leader. Position was never seriously in question going into Wednesdays election ( R-Utah ) arrives at the Capitol on April,... The former president Donald Trump after the 2020 elections were fairly won, which some said. Question in my race a factor, Cramer said of his fellow Dakotan the time i have not anybody... Lot of sitting around and wringing hands Noem ( R ), ended months speculation... President remains strained it validates him as leader while his relationship with former... Ally of the former president remains strained do like Mitt Romney so much challenge in!, Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer is lined up to keep setting the agenda instead Sinema raved over Romney he. Republicans at the U.S. Capitol, Aug. 4, 2022 own this job McConnell! Presidential nomination before deciding not to run again effectively serve as leader in really!, who first took office in 2011 Thune to run again. `` fourth term launch a primary but declined... 2022 election for Senate, he continued told HuffPost own this job, said! Wave OVERCOME a BLUE WALL n't mean he 'll stymie everything Senate, he continued fairly won which... On Louisville Courier Journal: Mitch McConnell gives a thumbs-up as he a. Thanks to Democrats ' victory, Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer is lined up to keep the... Them or against them, which ever helps them the most since Ive here!