Jan 15, 2025 - Politics & Policy

Scoop: Rick Scott to lead Senate steering committee

Stef W. Kight

Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) questions U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth during his Senate Armed Services confirmation hearing — Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL). Photo: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) was elected this week to be the new chair of the Senate Steering Committee, the senator confirmed to Axios.

Why it matters: The group serves as a sort of Freedom Caucus for the Senate. It includes many of the most conservative Republicans in the conference, though there is no formal roster, and hosts a weekly lunch.

The big picture: Some of the key players in Steering were big supporters of Scott's unsuccessful bid for leader — both in 2022 and 2024 — so it is not a surprise he managed to win the Monday evening vote.

Scott hosts regular dinners at his home with Senate conservatives — many on steering — and Freedom Caucus members, he told Axios in an interview last year.
He also chairs the Senate's committee on aging.

Between the lines: Of Scott's latest rivals for leader, John Thune (R-S.D.) is now majority leader, while Sen. John Cornyn (R-Tex.), the runner-up, has joined Thune's inner circle.

Now Scott has his own corner of power, too.
Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kans.) initially had been considered a top contender to replace Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) in leading the group, as Axios reported.

Add Axios on Google

Scoop: Rick Scott to lead Senate steering committee

What to read next