Top Republican privately backing Thune to succeed McConnell in GOP leader race
National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) Chairman Steve Daines, R-Mont., is discreetly urging his fellow Senate Republicans to throw their support behind Senate Minority Whip John Thune, R-S.D., as the successor to Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., a source familiar with the matter told Fox News Digital.
While Daines has not officially endorsed Thune, he is expected to back him in the secret ballot scheduled for Nov. 13. This vote will determine who will take over as the head of the Republican Party in the Senate.
Daines had been previously speculated as a potential contender for the leadership position, but he confirmed to Fox News in October that he would not be seeking the role. Now, he is rallying support for Thune behind the scenes.
The race for leader currently includes Thune, as well as Sens. John Cornyn, R-Texas, and Rick Scott, R-Fla. McConnell, the longest-serving party leader in Senate history, announced earlier this year that he would not seek re-election as leader in the next Congress.
Despite his influential status, McConnell has opted not to endorse a successor ahead of the election, leaving the field wide open for Thune, Cornyn, and Scott to vie for the leadership position.
Former President Donald Trump had expressed his desire to see Daines run for Senate GOP leader, citing their strong relationship. However, Daines has chosen to throw his support behind Thune instead.
In the lead-up to the leader race, most senators have remained tight-lipped about their preferences, choosing to focus on the upcoming 2024 elections instead. Only a few have made public endorsements, with Sens. Markwayne Mullin, Mike Rounds, and Ron Johnson publicly backing Thune and Scott respectively.
Trump, a key figure in Republican politics, has not yet weighed in on the leadership race, leaving the field open for the candidates to make their case to their colleagues.
As the election for Senate GOP leader draws near, the stakes are high for the Republican Party. Daines’ quiet support for Thune behind the scenes could play a crucial role in determining the future direction of the party in the Senate.
Julia Johnson is a politics writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business, leading coverage of the U.S. Senate. She was previously a politics reporter at the Washington Examiner. Follow Julia’s reporting on Twitter at @JuliaaJohnson_ and send tips to Julia.Johnson@fox.com.
