Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, announced Thursday his intention to run for Senate Republican leader, a day after Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell announced he would step down as the leader in November.
Cornyn met with former President Donald Trump on Wednesday and began appealing to Republican senators individually for support.
“I’m asking my Republican colleagues to give me the opportunity to succeed Leader McConnell,” Cornyn said. “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 key role in fixing it. .”
McConnell announced Wednesday afternoon that he will resign as Senate Republican leader in November.
“One of the most underrated talents in life is knowing when it’s time to move on to the next chapter of your life,” McConnell said Wednesday. “So I want to stand before you today and tell you that this will be my last term as Senate Republican leader.”
Mr. McConnell has gained influence in recent months by voting in favor of sending billions of dollars in additional aid to Ukraine, even though pro-Ukrainian hawks in the chamber had not agreed to a border security deal. Because of its abandonment, it faces continued criticism. (Related: Exclusive: Senate Republicans denounce leaked border deal, say they will never vote for it)
Republicans such as Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, Utah Sen. Mike Lee, Florida Sen. Rick Scott and Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson have been particularly critical of McConnell’s leadership. Ta. (Related: Mitch McConnell resigns as Senate Republican leader in November)
“I can’t believe McConnell did something this bad,” Johnson told the Caller. “McConnell has shattered the influence we have in the Senate.”
McConnell is the longest-serving leader in the Senate, having served in the Senate since 1984. according to Real Clear Politics ranks McConnell as Americans’ most hated political leader, with a worse favorability rating than President Joe Biden.
“We still have enough gas in the tank to thoroughly disappoint our critics, and we will do so with the fervor they have become accustomed to,” McConnell said in a speech on the Senate floor.