Cornyn launches bid to succeed McConnell as GOP leader

Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) on Thursday officially announced a run to replace Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) as Republican leader, setting up what is expected to be a hotly contested race for the top spot in the conference.

“I am asking my Republican colleagues to give me the opportunity to succeed Leader McConnell,” Cornyn said in a statement. “Throughout my time I’ve built a track record of listening to colleagues and seeking consensus, while leading the fight to stop bad policies that are harmful to our nation and the conservative cause.”

Cornyn pointed to his work in leadership as whip and atop the Senate GOP campaign arm, as well as his recent stretch outside of leadership.

The Texas Republican added that the Senate is “broken” and that he could play a “major role” in putting it back together.

“From experience, I have learned what works in the Senate and what does not, and I am confident Senate Republicans can restore our institution to the essential role it serves in our constitutional republic,” he said. “We will improve communication, increase transparency, and ensure inclusion of every Member’s expertise and opinion. We will restore the important role of Senate committees and reestablish the regular appropriations process, rather than lurch from one crisis to another.”

McConnell’s announcement Wednesday that he would step down as leader in November sent shockwaves across the Capitol and left Republicans preparing their first open leadership election in nearly two decades.

Cornyn is the first to make his bid for leader official, but he is widely expected to face off against Senate Minority Whip John Thune (R-S.D.) and Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) for the post. One Senate Republican told The Hill that Thune and Cornyn were “burning” up the phones of members Wednesday afternoon as they laid the groundwork for a run.

The Texas Republican is considered a formidable candidate for the position, having served as one of McConnell’s top allies in the upper chamber. 

Thune told reporters shortly after McConnell’s announcement that he would have more to say in the coming days.

Barrasso maintained that his focus is on the upcoming presidential election and helping to flip the Senate majority after the GOP’s four-year hiatus in the minority. He added that he would talk to members about the direction the conference should head in.