Nov 11, 2024 - Politics & Policy

Sen. Eric Schmitt bows out of attorney general consideration

Sareen Habeshian

en. Eric Schmitt (R-MO) speaks during preparations for the second day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum on July 16, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Delegates, politicians, and the Republican faithful are in Milwaukee for the annual convention, concluding with former President D — Sen. Eric Schmitt on July 16 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) said Monday that he has withdrawn his name from consideration to be attorney general under the next Trump administration.

The big picture: The Trump ally opted to stay in the Senate and "be a champion" for the president-elect.

Zoom in: Schmitt, a Senate freshman, confirmed in a post on X that he's notified the president-elect's transition team about his decision.

"I ran for the U.S. Senate to represent the people of the Show Me State and I'm just getting started," Schmitt said.
"We need America First fighters who don't just say they support the agenda but who are willing to stand in the breach and actually fight for it and for the hopes and dreams of the American people," he added.
"I'm ready to roll up my sleeves and be a champion for President Trump in the Senate," Schmitt said.

Zoom out: Schmitt also reportedly passed on leading the National Republican Senatorial Committee, the Senate GOP campaign arm, for Mitch McConnell's heir in 2026.

Go deeper: Senate GOP freshmen plot major leaps in 2026

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Sen. Eric Schmitt bows out of attorney general consideration

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