Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) has decided not to run to replace Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and will instead run for the No. 2 Senate Republican seat. A source told The Hill.
Barrasso was seen as a likely candidate to run for the top spot in the conference, along with Sens. John Thune (R-Texas) and John Cornyn (R-Texas). ” was one of them. Mr. Thune and Mr. Cornyn have both been floated as candidates to replace Mr. McConnell, but questions remained about Mr. Barrasso’s future.
The Wyoming Republican plans to run to fill the whip post currently occupied by Thune. Mr. Barrasso broke the news in a letter to his colleagues.
Barrasso cited his accomplishments in recent years as chairman of the Senate Republican Conference and other leadership positions. ” he wrote.
“One thing that’s clear to me is that Senate Republicans need to move on from the current situation. We need change,” Barrasso said. “If elected as your whip, I will work to be more open about our process and more transparent about your choices. We have to come to a consensus.”
Barrasso added that he will do everything in his power to support the party in November, including helping President Trump win a second term and regain the Senate majority.
A Republican official said Mr. Barrasso informed Mr. Thune and Mr. Cornyn of his decision last week.
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