National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) Chairman Steve Daines (R-Mont.) will vote in favor of Senate Minority Whip John Thune (R.S.D.) over other Senate Republicans. A person familiar with the matter told Fox News Digital that they are informally urging the government to do so.
Montana Republicans have not publicly endorsed Thune, but they will endorse him in a secret ballot Nov. 13 to decide who will succeed Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) as their party leader. It's planned.
Until last month, Mr Daines was still being speculated as a possible leader. The senator had repeatedly dodged questions about whether he would enter the race, and apparently had not ruled out joining the race. However, he admitted to Fox News in October that he had no intention of seeking a leadership position.
Rick Scott sees a red wave as the 'best-case scenario' for Senate Majority Leader as he touts support for President Trump
Mr. Daines (left) is privately encouraging other Republicans to support Mr. Thune (right). (Reuters)
Daines' office did not provide comment to Fox News Digital in time for publication.
Currently, Sen. Thune, Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), and Sen. Rick Scott (R-Florida) are seeking the leadership position.
McConnell, 82, announced in February that he would not run for party leadership again in the next Congress. He is the longest-serving leader in Senate history.
Fox News also confirmed that the highly influential Kentucky Republican would not support his successor ahead of the election.
Chuck Schumer prepares to return to Senate minority after Republican victory
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Republican of Kentucky, speaks during a press conference at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024. (Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Before dispelling speculation that Daines might launch a leadership campaign, Trump told allies following McConnell's announcement that he wanted the Montana senator to run as his successor. He said he was there.
The impetus for this was the good relationship between the president-elect and Mr. Daines, sources said.
Election Night Winners and Losers: 2024 Edition
President Trump has told allies he wants Daines to run for Senate Republican leader. (Reuters/AP)
Senators remained silent in the months leading up to the leadership contest, choosing instead to focus on the 2024 election. Few Republicans have made revealing comments in public about candidates or whom they lean toward.
Mitch McConnell praises Trump campaign: 'Sharper strategy this time'
From left to right: Sens. John Cornyn, John Thune, and Rick Scott are being speculated as possible candidates to replace Mitch McConnell as leader. (Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Senators who have publicly expressed support include Sens. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) and Mike Rounds (R.D.), who endorsed Thune earlier this year, and more recently Ron. Senator Johnson (Republican, Wisconsin). He supported Mr. Scott and urged Mr. Trump to support him as well.
President Trump has not considered the opinion, and it is unclear whether he intends to do so. His team did not immediately comment to Fox News Digital.
