Rick Scott secures support from GOP Senate leaders endorsed by Trump’s allies in Senate race
In the upcoming 119th Congress, the most powerful official in the upper chamber will be decided through secret ballots marked behind closed doors.
Florida Sen. Rick Scott is gaining momentum in his campaign to become the next Senate Majority Leader, receiving a flurry of endorsements from colleagues who traditionally remain silent about their support until the secret ballots are cast.
Competing against Sen. John Cornyn of Texas and Sen. John Thune of South Dakota, Scott aims to succeed Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the longest-serving Republican Senate leader in modern times, having held the position since 2007 across various party-controlled Senates.
Two years ago, Scott challenged McConnell for the leadership position but only managed to secure 11 votes. Cornyn served as McConnell’s deputy during President Donald Trump’s first term, while Thune was his deputy during President Joe Biden’s tenure.
Over the weekend, Scott received a surge of support from Senate colleagues and unexpected backers outside of Congress.
Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky also endorsed Scott on X Saturday, expressing his support for Scott as the next Senate Majority Leader and highlighting the need to address unsustainable deficits.
Similarly, Sen. Bill Hagerty of Tennessee endorsed Scott on X, emphasizing the importance of aligning with President Trump to advance the America First agenda.
Even Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Elon Musk endorsed Scott, creating a unique mix of support for the Florida Senator.
On the other hand, Cornyn received his first public endorsement from Sen. Josh Hawley and is facing significant opposition from conservative and evangelical Christian activists.
Thune is also facing opposition, with critics questioning his stance on conservative causes.
While Trump has not publicly endorsed any of the Republican Senate trio for the leadership position, he expressed his expectations for the new leader to support expedited Recess Appointments and refrain from confirming any more of Biden’s judicial appointments.
Vice President as Senate Leader?
Amidst the ongoing leadership discussions, there have been speculations about Vice President-elect JD Vance assuming a powerful role in the Senate as the presiding officer.
Sen. Mike Lee suggested the idea of Vance doubling as the Senate Majority Leader, highlighting the potential influence of the presiding officer in the upper chamber.
While the idea gained support, Lee clarified his observation via a post on X, emphasizing the potential for any vice-president from the ruling party to become a de facto leader of the majority party.
