Senate Republicans prepare for rare leadership battle as McConnell exit nears
Three GOP senators compete to take over Senate Republican leadership position as McConnell plans his departure. The contest marks first real fight for this powerful role in decades
A rare power-shift is happening in Washington as three top-ranking Republicans seek to fill the soon-to-be empty Senate leadership seat. Mitch McConnell whose long-time control of GOP Senate operations ends early 25‚ announced his planned step-down – creating the first real leadership race in decades
The competition brings together three experienced lawmakers: John Thune from South-Dakota‚ John Cornyn representing Texas and Rick Scott of Florida (each bringing their own style to the race). The trio is working hard to get support before the secret-ballot vote happening this wednesday
Each candidate is trying to show their colleagues that they can work with president-elect Donald Trump and push forward his ideas; making their connection to Trump a key selling point. The nominees have been meeting one-on-one with other senators trying to build alliances before the crucial vote takes place
The importance of this change cant be understated – its the first time in many years that Republicans will pick a new Senate leader through a real contested election. The timing of this shift lines up with Republicanʼs expected return to Senate majority control
