Sen. John Thune (R-South Dakota) announced Monday that he will run to replace retiring Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) as the top Republican in the Senate.
Senate Minority Whip Thune is currently McConnell’s second-in-command, technically second in command to that role, but could face stiff competition from other Republicans for the coveted post. expensive.
“Well, that’s what I want to be, and I’m going to do everything I can to convince my colleagues,” Thune said on a new show in her home state of South Dakota. Kero TV when asked about his ambitions to lead the Senate Republican caucus.
“They are the voters. Ultimately they are the ones making the decisions. But a new generation of consistent principled conservatives in the U.S. Senate will empower Senate Republicans and provide checks and balances against Schumer.” “I think when you look at the leadership of what the Schumer-Biden policies have been so far, which has been very liberal, he’s ready to lead that effort,” he added.
Thun revealed in a separate interview that he is preparing to run for office. Dakota News Now He said he has already met with his colleagues and is “hearing from them what they want in our next leader” and what his priorities will be if Republicans take control of the Senate after November’s elections. He said he was asking if that was the case.
“For me, it’s really about trying to be a difference-maker,” Thune said. “I think we have something to contribute there. We’re building a new generation of conservative leadership based on the consistent principles of the U.S. Senate Republican Party that empowers individual members and gets things done under normal order.” I think I’m ready.”
“I think this is a real opportunity. Every transition is a chance to reset. In my opinion, this is a chance to reset, and I want to be a part of it.”
Mr. Thune already has at least one potential challenger: Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas).
Cornyn became the first Republican to enter the fray last week, a day after McConnell, 82, abruptly announced he would step down as Republican leader after the November election.
“I believe the Senate is broken, but that’s not news to anyone. The good news is it can be fixed, and I intend to play a major role in fixing it. ” the Texas Republican said in the announcement.
Both Cornyn and Thune support former President Donald Trump.
The 2024 Republican front-runner has not said who he will support for the top Republican Senate leadership position.
