Attention returns to Sen. John Cornyn’s future after GOP Leader Mitch McConnell’s latest health scare

U.S. Sen. John Cornyn doesn’t hide that he wants Mitch McConnell’s job as Senate Republican leader.

The senior Texas senator has long expressed interest in the position and spent years as McConnell’s top deputy. After a recent series of health scares raised concerns about McConnell’s future, questions abound about Cornyn’s next step.

Cornyn has said that he will continue to support McConnell as party leader, calling him “extraordinarily effective” during the 2021 Texas Tribune Festival.

“But should he decide to step down and no longer serve as a leader, I’ve made it no secret that I would like to succeed him,” Cornyn added.