November 9, 2024
Next week, Republican senators will gather to choose their next Senate GOP leader, a key role as the party assumes majority control. Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) has thrown his support behind Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), making him the first GOP senator to publicly endorse a candidate in the leadership race. The election, scheduled for a secret ballot on Wednesday, Nov. 13, will determine who will succeed Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), who announced earlier this year that his term as Senate Republican leader would be his last.
In a statement expressing his endorsement, Hawley highlighted Cornyn’s commitment to winning back the majority. “I’m backing John Cornyn for majority leader,” Hawley said. “In the last two years, nobody has done more to win back the majority than he has. He tirelessly raised millions of dollars for competitive Senate races, including mine.” Cornyn, a prominent Texas senator, has been active in GOP fundraising efforts, leveraging his political influence and lifetime of party support to strengthen the Republican majority.
Hawley praised Cornyn’s track record on issues that resonate with conservative values, including his backing of the RECA (Radiation Exposure Compensation Act) compromise, which aims to provide fair compensation for Americans affected by government-related radiation exposure. “He has a heart for people,” Hawley noted. “He has voiced his support for the RECA compromise that would fairly compensate hundreds of thousands of Americans poisoned by their government, including so many in Missouri.”
The endorsement signals a preference for Cornyn’s vision of leadership within the Senate GOP, emphasizing a collaborative approach with President-elect Donald Trump. “And I know he will work closely and effectively with President Trump to deliver on the promise of our new majority. I’m delighted to give him my support,” Hawley concluded.
Cornyn, who previously served as Senate Republican Whip, is up against other high-profile contenders, including Sens. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) and John Thune (R-S.D.). Thune, who currently serves as the Senate Republican Whip, has significant backing within the GOP, including from McConnell, while Scott, the former National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) chair, has bolstered his bid by lobbying for Trump’s endorsement.
In a recent interview with Fox Business’ Larry Kudlow, Scott expressed optimism about the GOP’s direction and the potential for a “red wave,” stating his hopes for Trump’s support in the race. Thune, however, has suggested a more neutral stance from Trump, commenting on CNBC’s “Squawk Box” that he would prefer the President-elect to “stay out” of the GOP leadership selection.
With Republicans recently winning control of the Senate, this election will set the tone for the party’s legislative priorities in the coming years. As senators prepare to cast their votes, they face a choice between candidates with distinct visions for the GOP’s future in Washington.
Sources:
- Fox News Digital. (2024). “Josh Hawley endorses John Cornyn for Senate GOP leader.” Retrieved from [Fox News].
- Bloomberg. (2022). Photo by Al Drago of Sens. Josh Hawley and John Cornyn.
- CNBC’s “Squawk Box.” (2024). “Thune on Senate GOP leader race and Trump.”
- Fox Business’ “Kudlow.” (2024). “Rick Scott discusses Senate leader bid.”
