Oct 29, 2024 - Politics & Policy

Senate GOP sets date to vote on McConnell's leader successor

Stef W. Kight

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) walks to his office from the Senate Chamber at the U.S. Capitol — Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) walks to his office. Photo: Kent Nishimura/Getty Images

Senate Republicans' vote for their next leader is set for Nov. 13, Axios has learned.

Why it matters: The race between Sens. John Thune, John Cornyn and Rick Scott is the first competitive GOP leader race in nearly 18 years.

Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has served as GOP leader since 2007, and is stepping down after the Nov. 5 elections.
The Nov. 13 date for leadership elections was sent out from McConnell's office on Tuesday afternoon, according to a copy viewed by Axios.
Another contested race will be for No. 3 between Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.)

Between the lines: Some conservatives in the conference had put up a fight to delay the vote later in the year — an option that has been shut down by McConnell and leadership ally Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.).

McConnell informed senators that newly-elected members will be in town for orientation starting on the 12th — the first day Congress will be back in session.
McConnell also thanked senators "for the huge effort we are all making to fight for a Senate majority next week."

What to watch: The vote could decide the next Senate majority leader, if Republicans manage to oust one of a handful of vulnerable Senate Democrats next week.

Republicans feel bullish about their chances of at least winning a 51 or 52-seat majority, if not more.

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Senate GOP sets date to vote on McConnell's leader successor

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