McConnell needed to go.
Next week, Republican senators will choose a new leader for their party in the Senate, and Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley is throwing his support behind Texas Sen. John Cornyn. The vote for the Senate GOP leader will take place on Wednesday, November 13, with Republican senators casting their ballots in secret.
Hawley, a rising star in the GOP, made his endorsement of Cornyn public, highlighting the Texas senator’s efforts to help the Republican Party reclaim the Senate majority. “I’m backing John Cornyn for majority leader,” Hawley said in a statement. “Over the last two years, no one has worked harder to win back the majority than John. He raised millions of dollars for competitive Senate races, including mine, and was tireless in his efforts.”
Hawley also praised Cornyn for his commitment to the American people, citing his support for the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) compromise, which would provide justice to Americans suffering from radiation exposure due to U.S. government activities. This issue is particularly important to Hawley and many of his constituents in Missouri, where numerous people have been impacted by radiation-related illnesses.
“I know John will work closely and effectively with President Trump to push forward our conservative agenda,” Hawley continued, expressing confidence that Cornyn would be a strong leader for the party moving forward. “He has the experience, the heart, and the vision to lead us to victory.”
In addition to Cornyn, two other prominent Republicans are vying for the leadership position: Sen. John Thune of South Dakota, the current Republican Whip, and Sen. Rick Scott of Florida, who previously led the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC). Both senators have deep ties to the party and a strong base of support within the GOP. However, Cornyn’s leadership and track record of fundraising make him a standout contender.
This leadership race comes after Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, who has led the Senate GOP since 2007, announced that he would not seek re-election as leader, opening the door for new leadership. As Republicans look to the future with a newly won Senate majority following the 2024 election, the party’s leadership will play a crucial role in pushing the conservative agenda and working with President Trump to deliver on promises made to the American people.
As the leadership race heats up, the party will likely rally behind the candidate who can best unite the GOP and take on the challenges of the coming years, from advancing conservative priorities to securing key legislative wins.
