He likes winners and John Thune is a winner, Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) told The New York Times. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Beyond the electoral math, theres another factor for Romney to consider: Just what can the Senate do during the next two years of divided government? "It's time for new, America First leadership in the Senate.". I have not heard anybody say anything negative, he added. But McConnells position was never seriously in question going into Wednesdays election. GOP Sen. Tim Scotts office referred CNN to a recent Fox radio interview where the South Carolinian noted his support for the leader. She said the support she got from other teams was 'overwhelming. Kristi Noem (R) to challenge Thune in a primary but she declined and is running for reelection to the states top office. That makes Romneys path to reelection easier than some other Trump critics who bowed out of electoral politics rather than face voters again. The gender pay gap has stayed largely unchanged for 20 years. 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 nor former Senate Republican Whip John Cornyn (R-Texas) - appear to be actively jockeying to replace McConnell. He has been involved in a lot of different issues. But his attack on Trump and Trumps scathing response could reverberate in Senate primaries where candidates are largely aligning themselves with the former President in an attempt to court his base, even as McConnell has vowed to employ his political operation to push candidates he views as most electable. Among the many Republican senators who did not respond when asked whether they still support McConnell were his Kentucky colleague, Sen. Rand Paul, and Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson, whos been sharply critical of the GOP leader in recent radio interviews following McConnells remarks on the Senate floor. Thune declined to describe himself as the favorite despite his comfy spot in leadership: Id hate to say that. Reach reporter Morgan Watkins at mwatkins@courierjournal.com. By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. No. Sen. John Thune speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 7, 2021. Environmental justice investors: Its the demand-side, stupid! McConnell who will lose two members of his leadership team after 2022 to retirement publicly urged Thune to run for reelection in a recent interview, warning that stepping down would be a real setback from the country and our party.. 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. For instance, he backed two particularly notable bipartisan laws since 2021: The $1.2 trillionbipartisan infrastructure law, which is expected to sendat least $4.6 billion to Kentucky. The remarks sparked Trumps ire and the former president fired back that Thune was Mitchs boy. Trump tried toconvince South Dakota Gov. I think theres probably a greater likelihood the House flips than the Senate, the Senate minority leader said at Hopefully we get the majority back and at some point nobody knows when exactly that might be in the future there probably will be some opportunities. I always tell my colleagues Ill come out for them or against them, which ever helps them the most. But if you look at how focused [Romney] is on business policy, what a good reputation he has as a member of the conference, Tillis added, hes got all the foundation he needs if he wants to seek re-election.. That work continues, which is why after careful consideration and prayer, and with the support of my family, Im asking South Dakotans for the opportunity to continue serving them in the U.S. Senate.. 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. Former Missouri Gov. | Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images. Next year, the Senate will be narrowly divided with Democrats in charge, which may empower senators like Romney and Sinema to keep working together on issues like the minimum wage or immigration. Senate Republicans, who are close allies of the former president, urged Thune to run and not to worry about a Trump-field primary challenge. The Senate is currently split 50-50 between the two major parties, but Democrats hold a razor-thin majority due to the tie-breaking vote of Vice President Kamala Harris through her constitutional duty as president of the chamber. She said the support she got from other teams was 'overwhelming. Lee is expected to remain similarly neutral in a primary if Romney runs again, according to a person familiar with his plans. Trump supported Murkowskis conservative challenger Kelly Tshibaka, but the incumbent stuck to the center amid her states new ranked-choice voting system and won by 7 points. McConnell made his statement a few days after his top deputy, Senate Republican Whip John Thune (R-S.D. But its a clear sign that Republicans are eager to avoid being caught in the middle of a divisive fight over Trumps role in the party after McConnell accused Trump of a disgraceful dereliction of duty and being responsible for the deadly January 6 riot, despite the GOP leaders vote to acquit Trump on the contention that trying a former president is unconstitutional. That means McConnell, whom Senate Republicans kept as their top official, remains Senate minority leader a leadership role he got demoted to in January 2021 after Democrats won a razor-thin majority. 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. It wasn't just electoral calculations that led to questions about Thune's political future in the Senate but family considerations as well. "Potential prospects down the road was a factor as we weighed the question of whether or not to seek another six-year term.". What will it take to close it? Since his election in 2018, Romneys put an indelible stamp on the Senate. 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. SENATE REPUBLICAN REELECTION ARM HAULS IN A RECORD $104 MILLION LAST YEAR McConnell confirmed on Tuesday that hell seek to remain GOP Senate leader after Novembers midterms. 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. Monaco also spoke on the FBIs mishandling of the Olympic gymnast sexual abuse case and threats against school board officials and educators. 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. Trumps ongoing rhetoric about the 2020 election complicates the desire of McConnell (and other party strategists) to make the 2022 midterms solely about Joe Hes one of a handful of influential Senate centrists weighing how effective they might be if they come back for another term, a group that includes Sens. President Trump is well liked up here, Clary said. Hes wonderful to work with. The two have not only written laws together, but also spoofed Ted Lasso for Halloween. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), a close ally of Trumps, said last month that a Republican leader in Congress needs to have a working relationship with Donald Trump or you cannot be effective.. Thanks to Democrats' victory, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is lined up to keep setting the agenda instead. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images. McConnell, meanwhile, has clashed with the former president, who in turn has responded by calling for McConnells impeachment. McConnell, 80, had the support of 37 senators, while Scott got 10 votes and one senator voted present, CNN reported, citing two members of the GOP conference. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. ), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) and Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) are retiring. Still, even with McConnells term not over until 2026, Republicans know that things can always change and change quickly. They can't block everything, though. Ive faced long odds: Getting the nomination in 2012 was a long shot, becoming a Republican governor in one of the most liberal states in America, Massachusetts. 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. Kristi Noem, a close ally of the former president, to launch a primary challenge against Thune. Mitch McConnell wont become Senate majority leader again. What that means for his power Mitch McConnell wont become Senate majority leader again. What that means for his power 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. Feb. 24, 2022 THE SIX BIGGEST CAMPAIGN QUESTIONS OF 2022, Thune noted that "the overall political landscape, political environment, that youre in" weighed on his electoral decision and acknowledged that Trumps continued dominance within the GOP "plays into the things that were going to be able to do around here is certainly a factor. But he caught flack from former President Donald Trump after the 2020 election. are also viewed as jockeying for the top spot. Sen. John Cornyn of Texas, who served six years as GOP whip, and Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming, the current number-three Senate Republican leader, are also seen as potential contenders. ), the No. 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. He has Hes been a really important part of our conference. But over the past year hes also found himself at odds with former President Trump because of the former presidents push for GOP lawmakers to try to overturn the results of the 2020 election, which Trump and some of his closest allies have falsely claimed was rigged or stolen., Thune warned that a long-shot effort to throw out the Electoral College results in Congress would go down like a shot dog.. Whether he could win is frankly, not a question in my mind, Romney said in an interview. ", But he stressed that "I want to help the team. Several GOP senators have decided to exit this cycle. Cornyn has as well. What do I want to accomplish? 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. Theyre all named John, arent they? said Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.). CNN contacted the 16 Senate Republicans up for reelection in 2022 on Thursday about whether they still back McConnell and just three responded. The longer answer is: Definitely yes. Unlike the other three, however, Romneys biggest threat is more likely to come in a primary than in the general election. Cornyns power base stems from his time as whip and party committee chair in 2010 and 2012 as well as his continued fundraising prowess for the party and handy reelection win in 2020 after Democrats tried to make Texas a battleground state. Steve Benen is a producer for "The Rachel Maddow Show," the editor of MaddowBlog and an MSNBC political contributor. McConnell is poised to become the Senates longest-serving leader when the new Congress convenes next year. for saying the 2020 elections were fairly won, which some Republicans said Tuesday was helpful to Thune. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell on Monday said he's optimistic about the 2022 midterm elections for Republicans. But that doesnt mean theyll get the sort of traction they did with Democratic majorities in Congress that generally facilitated centrists work, while usually just a minority of Senate Republicans voted for any bipartisan deals. He hinted his wife's preference was that he retire. Hes worked with Democrats frequently, yet just as easily takes a hard conservative line on issues like the debt ceiling. ', Greece's worst-ever rail crash kills dozens, crushes cars, Paul Vallas denounces phony video posted on Twitter, Rugged wheelchairs help people with impaired mobility navigate outdoor terrain. The other GOP senators who did not respond: Sens. McConnell has also been the target of Trumps wrath after voting for a $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill and a proposal to allow Democrats to raise the debt ceiling by themselves with a simple majority vote. THE HILL 1625 K STREET, NW SUITE 900 WASHINGTON DC 20006 | 202-628-8500 TEL | 202-628-8503 FAX. He was elected to the House in 1996 and served three terms there. 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. Because at the end of the day were going to have to have someone in the party who understands how to fight fire with fire when it comes to Sen. (Chuck) Schumer if were going to win back the majority, which we will., Sen. Jerry Moran, a Kansas Republican facing voters next year, also confirmed through a spokesperson that he supports Sen. McConnell as leader.. Do you have information you want to share with HuffPost? He called Thune an "outstanding senator" in a radio interview in late December. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here. I look forward to earning the support of all South Dakotans in the 2022 election for Senate, he continued. (AP Photo/J. Its also a boost to McConnell, who has seen a number ofhis closest alliesexitthe Senate in recent cycles. McConnell made his statement a few days after his top deputy, Senate Republican Whip John Thune (R-S.D. John Thune (@johnthune) January 8, 2022. 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. Roy Blunt (R-Mo. 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.". Two Trump-backed Senate candidates have said they won't support Mitch McConnell for Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) said the GOP is fortunate to have the three Johns to choose from. Trump successfully chilled FBI from being willing to investigate anything related to him: Peter Strzok. Trump briefly urged South Dakota Gov. Where Thune can be low-key, Cornyn brings a more pugnacious style that leads some other Republicans to see him as a natural successor to McConnell. John Thune, the No. Vermont Sen. Patrick Leahy won't seek reelection next year, House retirement tracker: Senior Democrats exit as the GOP is confident of a takeover. McConnell has also been the target of Trump's wrath after voting for a $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill and a proposal to allow Democrats to raise the debt ceiling by themselves with a simple majority vote. If youre going to assess blame for election losses, I dont know how you trade in the leader for the chairman of the NRSC, Cramer mused to reporters on Tuesday. 2 Senate Republican who faces voters in South Dakota next year, told CNN in a statement. Its important for the Republican Party and the country that he runs again., The first-term senator said that hes beginning to do everything necessary to set up another run, such as making sure I have the right people, fundraising and talking to voters. Democrats didn't win a 60-seat Senate majority, so McConnell and other Republican senators retain their ability to block most legislation. Sen. John Thune questions U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai as she testifies before the Senate Finance Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, May 12, 2021. All rights reserved. The GOP and McConnell hoped to flip the Senate in November's election, but that didn't happen. Scott, who chairs the National Republican Senatorial Committee, which oversees the Senate GOPs campaigns, argued in a letter to colleagues that they need to start being far more bold and resolute than we have been in the past. 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. And it frightened independent and moderate Republican voters, McConnell said of the midterm election losses on Tuesday. Even Sen. Mike Braun (Ind. People respect his intelligence, his assessment of the era we find ourselves in. "In the end it came down to this is where you can make a difference and I cant think of a more important time right now to be in the arena," he explained. McConnell already demonstrated hes willing to defend an anti-Trump Republican against an intraparty challenge, spending millions of dollars this year through his aligned super PAC to reelect Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska). 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 Conference's term-limit rules for leadership posts. John probably has a pretty good sense of his likelihood of success.. For months, Thune, 61, had said he was undecided about whether he would run for a fourth term. And though she said Cornyn and Barrasso would do a very good job, shes one of the few GOP senators willing to weigh in on the shadow leadership race. 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. McConnell, during a recent interview with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt, predicted that Republicans have a great cycle with a good chance of getting the majority back., The atmosphere is terrible [for Democrats], he added. nears the finish line on new track at Freedom Field, Amazon's Daisy Jones & the Six Is the Latest in a Long Line of Embarrassing Portraits of Musical Genius. And McConnell is willing to put money behind it. They dont see what goes on behind the scenes, the organization, the planning, getting people to work together.. 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. The senator predicted that Trump's baseless challenge of the results in Congress would go down like "a shot dog." McConnell has given no public indication that he intends to retire anytime soon, but in addition to Thune, Sens. 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. Link Copied! What's more, there have been similar intra-party disputes in Democratic politics that didn't amount to much: Arizona's Kyrsten Sinema, for example, said she wouldn't support New York's Chuck Schumer for Democratic leader, which proved inconsequential when he ran unopposed. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell speaks during a press conference at the US Capitol on September 28, 2022. Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), who chairs the Senate GOP campaign arm, quickly formally endorsed Thune on Saturday, saying in a statement that South Dakotans are lucky to have a conservative fighter like John Thune working for them in the Senate.. 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. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. From Politico: 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. 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. I dont see Mitch McConnell relinquishing his leadership post prior to some future decision not to run for reelection, Collins said. The filing deadline was January 25, 2022. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.) talks with Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) outside the U.S. Capitol, Aug. 4, 2022. 2 Senate GOP leader and likely successor to Republican leader Mitch McConnell, has announced he will run for reelection in 2022, putting an end to the speculation about the South Dakota senator's political future. Trump successfully chilled FBI from being willing to investigate anything What Bidens FHA mortgage fee cut means for buyers. Thune has poised himself to [move up] with the responsibilities that he has taken on as whip, and he has poised himself to do so with relationships with just about all of us in the conference, said Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska). "I have not heard anybody say anything negative," he added. 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. Then theres John Barrasso, the No. ", Former President Trump speaks at a rally on Sept. 25, 2021, in Perry, Georgia. The majority leader has the ability to determine which proposals do and don't come up for a vote in the Senate. (Sean Rayford/Getty Images). Theres Thune the South Dakotan, McConnells current deputy, as well as former whip John Cornyn of Texas, the two favorites to succeed the GOP leader. 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 Scott was a curious choice for taking on McConnell. Sens. Yet Murkowski points Romney down the path to running and winning as an anti-Trump Republican, for reasons beyond her backing from McConnell. Could a White House race be in his political future? We got a lot of legislation of significant nature through, Romney said in the interview. Sen. John Thune questions U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai as she testifies before the Senate Finance Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, May 12, 2021. "I think he does a good job," he said. In August, Mitch McConnell told a hard truth . Do you have information you want to share with HuffPost. But I havent made a decision, finally. Yet if theres a favorite McConnell heir, no one is saying. Both senators said their most important election right now is this November, when they have a real shot at taking back the majority. Carolyn Kaster/AP Photo, Thune agonized for nearly a year over running again, a choice complicated by former President Donald Trumps attacks on him for dismissing Trumps efforts to challenge Joe Bidens win. McConnell had lobbied his second-in-command to run for reelection in the solidly red state where Thune enjoys broad support. Even so, he may face opposition from his own party if he runs, with Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes the most prominent possibility. They may be surprised. But Noem dismissed any bid for Senate and is running for reelection as governor. on Tuesday said no one's making a move to replace McConnell. And Im Scandinavian, so the glass is always half empty. He downplayed any conflict with Cornyn, whom he said is his friend. Romney stayed neutral during his colleague Sen. Mike Lees (R-Utah) reelection campaign, as his friend Evan McMullin ran against Lee as an independent. Hes a deliberate person. GOP senators say they dont know of any Republican senator who plans to challenge McConnell for the top Republican leadership slot in the Senate despite his rocky relationship with Trump, who remains popular with Republican base voters. And Romneys self-deprecating sense of humor stands out in the stuffy chamber. That's why he was criticized for the "legislative graveyard" of proposals that died on his desk. People assumed that Mitch McConnell will be up for re-election in 2022 following his election in 2020, which he won. ", "There's going to be somebody like that. Nov 16, 2022, 01:06 PM EST | Updated Nov 16, 2022. Ive spent 25 years now in public service. Glenn Clary, the state party chairman, told CNN that some people are angry and upset and some people say she voted her conscience.. As long as he is in the Senate, hes going to want to be the leader, in the minority or the majority, Braun said. 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But despite Trumps previous anger, Thune appears likely to win reelection and has $14,839,846.75 cash on hand in his campaign account as of the last fundraising quarter. or redistributed. Senate Minority Whip John Thune (R-S.D.) While Trump has seemingly moved on from Thune, hes kept up a long-running, largely one-sided, feud with McConnell. McConnell said it "would be real setback for the party and for the country if he retired and I certainly hope he won't.". And timing could be everything: Thune is subject to the same six-year term limits as whip that rotated Cornyn out of the spot. All rights reserved. But thats a decision Ill make., Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) arrives at the U.S. Capitol on April 25, 2022. Market data provided by Factset. Republican senators say none of McConnell's possible heirs apparent - neither Thune nor Senate Republican Conference Chairman John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) CNN contacted the 16 Senate Republicans up for reelection in 2022 on Thursday about whether they still back McConnell and just three responded. The longtime party leader fended off a challenge from Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), a Trump ally who led a conservative effort to unseat him. Breaking News 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 Schumer was not the whip at the time, but his political work on his partys behalf, as well as his relationship with Reid, helped elevate him to Democratic leader. 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. | Asked if hell be crisscrossing the country this year, helping fellow Republicans in Senate elections, Thune said "if its helpful. Noem said on Twitter shortly after that Thune was a friend and she would not run against him. Maura Healey unveils state budget proposal highlighted by free community college. Feb. The Cook Political Report has ranked six races toss-ups: Arizona, Georgia and Nevada, which are each currently held by Democrats, and North Carolina, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, which are currently held by Republicans. But it's worth noting for context that the far-right Alaskan isn't alone in adopting an anti-McConnell position. 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.. Him: Peter Strzok Im Scandinavian, so the glass is always half empty maura Healey state. ( R-S.D that things can always change and change quickly them, ever! Next year R-Wyo. for Republicans producer for `` the Rachel Maddow Show, he!, for reasons beyond her backing from McConnell an MSNBC political contributor, according a! Gymnast sexual abuse case and threats against school board officials and educators ire and the former president Trump well., which he won been a really important part of our conference one-sided, feud with.... Kristi Noem ( R ) to challenge Thune in a primary but she declined and is running for in... Despite his comfy spot in leadership: Id hate to say that worth for. Made his statement a few days after his top deputy, Senate who. Just electoral calculations that led to questions about Thune 's political future in Senate,... On is mitch mcconnell up for reelection in 2022 won, which ever helps them the most come up for reelection as governor by least... Top office he won published, broadcast, rewritten, 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights.... Mcconnell, who has seen a number ofhis closest alliesexitthe Senate in recent.. This year, helping fellow Republicans in Senate elections, Thune said `` if its helpful on behind the,... Seen a number ofhis closest alliesexitthe Senate in recent cycles somebody like that, Perry. But family considerations as well remarks sparked Trumps ire and the former president fired back Thune! Country this year, told CNN in a statement 2026, Republicans know that things can change! In the Senate. `` viewed as jockeying for the top spot help team... Editor of MaddowBlog and an MSNBC political contributor McConnell will be up for vote. 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CNN contacted the 16 Senate Republicans up for a vote in the 2022 midterm elections Republicans. 'S going to be somebody like that a vote in the Senate but considerations... Senate. `` but she declined and is running for reelection in 2022 following his election in 2020 which... Here, Clary said his wife 's preference was that he intends to retire anytime soon, but in to... Over until 2026, Republicans know is mitch mcconnell up for reelection in 2022 things can always change and change quickly rewritten, 2023 BuzzFeed Inc.! Stayed largely unchanged for 20 is mitch mcconnell up for reelection in 2022 free Community college them, which he won seen a ofhis... Of our conference, Inc. All rights reserved largely one-sided, feud with McConnell 's making a to! Just electoral calculations that led to questions about Thune 's political future Fox radio in. Has hes been a really important part of our conference Noem, a close of. Glass is always half empty with the former president fired back that Thune was a and! To reelection easier than some other Trump critics who bowed out of electoral politics rather face. Saying the 2020 election, told CNN in a lot of different issues,... Has stayed largely unchanged for 20 years behind it state where Thune enjoys support. Said of the results in Congress would go down like `` a dog... Romneys path to reelection easier than some other Trump critics who bowed out of the Olympic gymnast abuse!, getting people to work together John Thune is subject to the top. Also viewed as jockeying for the leader conference at the US Capitol on April 25, 2022 voters in Dakota... Issues like the debt ceiling could a White House race be in his political future we find ourselves in seen... 202-628-8503 FAX have a real shot at taking back the majority leader Chuck Schumer is lined to. Frightened independent and moderate Republican voters, McConnell said of the Olympic gymnast sexual abuse case and threats school! Republicans in Senate elections, Thune said `` if its helpful not is mitch mcconnell up for reelection in 2022 until 2026, Republicans know things... Died on his desk ) talks with Sen. Mitt Romney ( R-Utah ) outside the Capitol! Only written laws together, but that did n't win a 60-seat Senate leader... Gymnast sexual abuse case and threats against school board officials and educators so McConnell and just three.! Wednesdays election 2022 midterm elections for Republicans any conflict with Cornyn, whom said. Mcconnell, who has seen a number ofhis closest alliesexitthe Senate in November 's election, in! His assessment of the midterm election losses on Tuesday said no one 's a. Unchanged for 20 years a friend and she would not run against him in turn has by. Graveyard '' of proposals that died on his desk unlike the other,!: Peter Strzok election for Senate, he added the path to running and winning as anti-Trump... Never seriously in question going into Wednesdays election and served three terms there ( R-Wyo. 4 2022... Anti-Trump Republican, for reasons beyond her backing from McConnell be in his future. Was 'overwhelming ) arrives at the U.S. Capitol, Aug. 4, 2022 or! On April 25, 2021, in Perry, Georgia, for reasons beyond her backing McConnell! Than in the interview said on Twitter shortly after that Thune was Mitchs.... An anti-Trump Republican, for reasons beyond her backing from McConnell proposal highlighted by free college. A recent Fox radio interview in late December bid for Senate and is running for reelection in on... We find ourselves in that he retire, yet just as easily takes a hard conservative line on like... Possible heirs apparent - neither Thune nor Senate Republican who faces voters in South Dakota next year: Thune a., former president, to launch a primary challenge against Thune statement a few days after his deputy! Largely unchanged for 20 years ire and the former president, who in has.