Sen. Eric Schmidt (R-Missouri) has abandoned his bid to run the National Republican Senatorial Committee in 2026.
Schmidt had emerged in recent weeks as a front-runner to replace Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) at the top of the NRSC, but ultimately abandoned the possibility of taking the role, a senior aide said. revealed.
“Senator Schmidt is extremely grateful for the support from all sides of the conference, but does not intend to seek the NRSC chair position in the next Congress,” a senior Schmidt aide told The Hill.
The Missouri senator has a young family and the job is known as a thankless job, filled with airplane travel and meetings with donors. He has also been floated as a candidate for attorney general if former President Trump wins in November.
The 2026 cycle isn't likely to be a particularly rosy one for Republicans either. That's because Democrats only have a few chances to win the seat, and the two biggest races are for the seat held by Republican Sen. Susan Collins. Maine) and Thom Tillis (RN.C.).
Of the 33 seats on the map, 20 are held by Republicans. This made it difficult for the party to encourage someone to take on the role.
Sen. John Thune (RS.D.) said of the NRSC's activities before the October recess: “I don't think there's anything close to being settled on that.'' There is,” he said.
This would force Republicans back to square one, the only spot on the Republican leadership ladder without a clear candidate.
Another freshman who had been mentioned as a candidate, Sen. Katie Britt (R-Alabama), has also decided to run for the post, according to a person familiar with her decision.
“Several colleagues have approached Sen. Britt about running for NRSC Chair, but she has no interest in running for the next NRSC Chair,” the person said.
Britt is widely considered a front-runner to play a key role in future Republican leadership. She is a member of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell's (R-Ky.) leadership team.
Sens. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) and Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska) have been mentioned occasionally this year, but both are facing re-election in 2026, and one of them will be president. It is less likely that he will take office. role.
