WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)– The race to replace Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) is already in full swing. McConnell, who has been the leader of the Senate Republicans since 2007, announced last week that he will be stepping down in November.
Senator John Thune (R-S.D.), who is currently McConnell’s number two as the Senate GOP Whip, announced Monday that he wants the job.
“I hope to be,” Thune said. “I’m going to do everything I can to convince my colleagues. They’re the voters, they’re the ones who ultimately make the decision.”
Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas) says he also wants the job.
“I believe the Senate is broken – that is not news to anyone,” Cornyn said in a statement to his Republican colleagues announcing his bid. “The good news is that it can be fixed, and I intend to play a major role in fixing it.”
McConnell says he will officially leave his leadership post in November. When that happens, the Senate Republican conference will meet behind closed doors to elect their new leader. During that meeting they will also have to decide who will be the number two “whip” and number three.
“One of the interesting things about the Republican leadership is they actually have term limits,” Todd Belt, a Political Science Professor at The George Washington University said.
“Cornyn is actually term-limited out from some of the lower positions because he’s already held them. For him, it’s going to be majority or minority leader or bust.”
Belt says winning McConnell’s seat starts outside the Capitol, on the campaign trail.
“You are going to see them standing next to all the Republicans running for Senate, fundraising for them and endorsing them,” Belt said. “Mitch McConnell was a master at this.”
Belt says the leadership hopefuls will also have to win over the conservative wing of the party, who want a fresh start for the Senate GOP conference.
“People thought McConnell was more of a Washington insider, that he was too eager to compromise with Democrats,” Belt said. “And many Republicans want someone who is going to be more of a fighter, who will support their agenda.”