McConnell praises Trump campaign, Steve Daines

• McConnell said he's hearing "optimistic reports" about Republicans taking the House, which could significantly empower Congress to act on President-elect Trump's agenda.

What he's saying: McConnell congratulated Trump, saying "what he's accomplished has not been done" since Grover Cleveland, who also was reelected to a nonconsecutive second term in 1892. He did not say whether he had spoken with Trump since the results have come in.

• The praise is especially notable given McConnell and Trump's historically chilly relationship.
• McConnell also went out of his way to praise National Republican Senatorial Committee Chair Sen. Steve Daines' (R-Mont.) efforts to make make sure the strongest candidates got the nominations.
• His message to Republican senators going forward is that "candidate quality is essential," he said. The 2022 midterms were disastrous for Republicans, largely owing to candidate quality issues.

Between the lines: "One of the most gratifying results of the Senate becoming Republican, is the filibuster will stand," McConnell said.

• McConnell fought off Trump's demands to end the filibuster during his first administration. Republicans have largely been unified in saying they would not vote to end the procedure.