'The three Johns' who could take McConnell’s place: report

28 February 2024

Following Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell's Wednesday, February 28 announcement that he plans to step down later this year, many are wondering who might step up to replace the longtime Republican leader.

The Washington Post reports, "Although no one has officially announced a bid to replace McConnell, a handful of lawmakers are widely seen as potential successors. Coincidentally, the three most likely successors are all named John."

The first contender is Senate Minority Whip John Thune (R-SD), who's served as a senator for nearly two decades, the Post notes "is the No. 2 Republican in the Senate and one of McConnell’s closest allies.

The Post reports, "After McConnell announced he was stepping away from leadership, reporters flocked to Thune’s office," where "he said McConnell 'leaves really big shoes to fill' but declined to say whether he would run to replace him."

Second, Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), was "minority and majority whip before Thune," according to the Post, and known for supporting bipartisan gun legislation. The Post reports the Texas senator — who has a close relationship with McConnell — was vocal to reporters Wednesday about "succeeding his longtime ally," saying, "Today is about Mitch McConnell. But I’ve made no secret of my intentions."

The last "John," is "probably the most conservative" out of the three, according to the Post. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) is "the third-ranking Senate Republican and chair of the Senate Republican Conference," and close friend of McConnell's. The report notes "while he, like other top Republican senators, did not support Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election, he was less critical of them. He was among the first top Senate Republicans to support Trump’s 2024 presidential bid."

The Post's full report is here (subscription required).

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