Ambitious Senate Republican leader John Cornyn favors term limits for Senate executives.
“One of the reasons I’m running to be the next Republican leader is because I believe the Senate needs more engagement from all of my colleagues, including the opportunity for every member to serve in a leadership role. ” Cornyn (R-Texas) posted on X. Tuesday evening.
“I support a conference vote to change the rules and set term limits for Republican leaders.”
Cornyn, 72, is first in the race to succeed outgoing Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), who last week announced his intention to step down after the Nov. 5 election. Joined the.
McConnell is the longest-serving leader of either party in Senate history, having held the position since 2007 when he replaced Bill Frist of Tennessee.
McConnell has suffered multiple health problems in the past year, including freezing up while speaking publicly. His team claimed this was part of his recovery from a concussion he suffered after a fall last year.
Mr. McConnell, who began his Senate career in 1985 and bridged the era of Ronald Reagan and Donald Trump, has found himself increasingly at odds with isolationists and nationalists within the Republican Party.
The Kentucky sage reluctantly endorsed former President Donald Trump’s campaign Wednesday after his last remaining rival, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, suspended his campaign.
President Trump has not endorsed anyone in Senate Republican leadership.
So far, Mr. Cornyn’s only competitor is Senate Minority Whip John Thune (R-South Dakota), 63, who holds the post of No. 2 Senate Republican and threw his hat into the ring earlier this week. is.
Another potential candidate, Senate Republican Conference Chairman John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), has opted to avoid running against another John and instead vie to replace Mr. Thune.
Another controversial candidate, McConnell’s successor, Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), is running for conference chairman.
Cornyn served as a Republican in the Senate from 2013 to 2019, when Thune replaced him. Previously, the Texan served as chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee.
Other potential dark horse candidates, such as Sen. Rick Scott (R-Florida), are also believed to be considering the leadership position.
Scott, who unsuccessfully mounted a challenge to McConnell after the 2022 midterm elections, has a notoriously fraught relationship with the outgoing leader.
