Updated Nov 12, 2024 - Politics & Policy

Scoop: Warner likely to remain atop Senate Intel Committee

Stephen Neukam

U.S. Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) leaves the U.S. Capitol for a private meeting between Senate Democrats and U.S. President Joe Biden's senior advisors Mike Donlion, Steve Richetti and campaign chair Jen O'Malley Dillon at the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee on July 11, 2024 in Washington, DC. — Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) leaves the U.S. Capitol on July 11 in Washington, DC. Photo: Tierney L. Cross/Getty Images

Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Mark Warner (D-Va.) told supporters at an event last week that he is likely to remain the top Democrat on the panel, Axios has learned.

Why it matters: Warner will provide stability for the prestigious committee as its top Republican, Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), is looking to leave for a cabinet position in the Trump administration.

The panel oversees the U.S. intelligence community and is briefed on some of the country's most sensitive information.
Warner would stay on as vice chair, rather than ranking member, because the Intelligence Committee does not operate like other committees.
Warner said in a statement that he plans to "continue carrying out robust oversight as Vice Chairman of the Intelligence Committee."

The big picture: Warner's new partner at the top of the Intelligence Committee would likely be Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), according to multiple sources.

Cotton is poised take over for Rubio if Trump nominates the Florida senator to be secretary of state.
Outside of an official leadership post, being chair or vice chair of the intelligence panel is one of the most important and powerful positions in the chamber.

Go deeper: Trump expected to pick Marco Rubio as secretary of state

Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional reporting.

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Scoop: Warner likely to remain atop Senate Intel Committee

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