John Barrasso forgoes bid for GOP leader to run for No. 2 spot

Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) will forgo a bid to replace Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and will instead run to become the No. 2 Senate Republican, sources tell The Hill.

Barrasso had been one of the “Three Johns” seen as likely to run for the top spot in the conference alongside Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and John Cornyn (R-Texas). Thune and Cornyn have both announced bids to be McConnell’s successor, but questions had remained about Barrasso’s future. 

The Wyoming Republican will run to fill the whip post, which is currently occupied by Thune. Barrasso delivered the news to colleagues in a letter.

“After a lot of thought, I will be asking for your support and help so I might work for you as the Assistant Republican Leader,” Barrasso wrote, citing his work as Senate GOP conference chair and elsewhere in leadership in recent years.

“One thing that is clear to me is that the Republicans in the Senate need to break from where we are now. We need change,” Barrasso said. “If elected to serve as your Whip, I will look for greater openness about our process and transparency about your choices. We must put consensus within our Conference ahead of deal-making among a few.” 

Barrasso added that he will do everything he can to help the party ahead of November, including helping President Trump win a second term and retaking the Senate majority.

One GOP source said Barrasso informed Thune and Cornyn of his decision last week.