(ConservativeJournal.org) – Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell announced his intention to step down from the role in November, leading many Republicans to fight for the crucial role. McConnell said he intends to serve out the remainder of his term in the Senate, however. The next elections for his seat will be held in November 2026.
The battle for his replacement as leader of the party is over whether or not the replacement will support Trump or be an antagonist toward his agenda, as McConnell was. McConnell largely blamed Trump for the events of January 6, leading the men to have an antagonistic relationship afterward. It’s been claimed that they haven’t spoken since the 2020 election.
McConnell is nevertheless expected to announce his endorsement at some point as the party coalesces behind Trump as the presumptive nominee. Many Republicans have been adamant about their disdain for the former president, however, including Senator Mitt Romney (R-UT) who is also retiring when his term ends in January 2025.
Romney said he would “absolutely not” endorse Trump in the November contest where he’s likely to face a rematch against Joe Biden. He suggested Republicans who endorsed Trump did so for their own electoral “self-preservation.” Romney also said he preferred another presidential candidate.
Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) disagrees and wants the next leader of Republicans in the Senate to be closely aligned with Trump as to help advance an America First legislative agenda. Tuberville also hoped that the new Republican leader would “energize our base” and honestly support Trump should he become the next president.
One potential successor for McConnell is Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT). Daines is endorsed by Senate Republican Whip John Thune (R-SD). Thune was slammed by Trump as a RINO for his failure to vote to delay the certification of the presidential election in 2020.
Thune has reportedly patched things up with Trump, however, and has issued an endorsement for his 2024 presidential bid.
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