Elections Outlook Report - Flipbook - Page 71
Senate Leadership
Republicans are set to take majority control of the upper chamber
with a narrow four- to five-seat margin, ushering in leadership changes.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) is stepping down after
leading the Senate Republican Conference since 2007.On November 13,
John Thune (R-SD) defeated John Cornyn (R-TX) and Rick Scott (R-FL) to
be elected the next Senate Republican Majority Leader. As Republicans
prepare to enter a new era with unified control of the White House
and Congress, Senator Thune’s ascension to Majority Leader will likely
moderate the tone for Trump’s second term and the GOP’s legislative
agenda in the Senate.
Senator Thune has criticized Trump in the past, but is seasoned and wellregarded by his members. Senator Rick Scott, who was always viewed as
an underdog, gained some backing from the GOP’s more conservative
wing, having demonstrated staunch loyalty to Trump. Prominent Trump
allies, including Tucker Carlson and Elon Musk, voiced their support for
Scott, with Scott hoping this influence might eventually earn him a late
Trump endorsement.
While Trump ultimately refrained from endorsing a candidate during the
Senate Republican Conference election, he made clear his expectations
that the new majority leader align with his agenda. Trump urged
candidates to consider rule changes that would allow him to bypass
Senate confirmation votes for certain appointees, specifically by allowing
recess appointments. Thune has signaled he is open to allowing Trump
to use recess appointments.
A change in leadership style had long appeared on many GOP
conference wish lists. All three candidates promised, and Thune will
now be expected to deliver, a more transparent leadership style; rules
changes to better empower rank-and-file Senators and allow them more
input on decisions; and a closer alignment with Trump’s priorities.
During the elections, Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) succeeded Thune
as Republican Whip. Additional shifts include Senator Tom Cotton
(R-AR) beating out Joni Ernst (R-IA) for Republican Conference Chair.
Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) seeking Ernst’s position as Policy
Committee chair. South Carolina Senator Tim Scott has announced plans
to run for chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee.
Senate Democrats have not yet scheduled their leadership elections,
though fewer changes are anticipated. Senate Majority Leader Chuck
Schumer (D-NY) and Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) are expected to retain
their roles. Key Democratic leaders who recently won re-election—Vice
Conference Chair Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Steering Committee Chair
Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Outreach Chair Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and
Conference Secretary Tammy Baldwin (D-WI)—will continue to shape
the party’s direction. Senators Klobuchar and Cory Booker (D-NJ) are
competing for the chair of the Democratic Policy and Communications
Committee (DPCC) following the retirements of Senators Debbie
Stabenow (D-MI) and Joe Manchin (I-WV).
