Who Will Replace Sen. Mitch McConnell as Republican Senate Leader?

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced Wednesday that he'll be stepping down from his position as minority leader in November. Who will replace him?

The Three Johns: An analysis in Politico (Lean Left bias) listed three likely replacements— Sen. John Thune (R-SD), Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) and Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY). The article described Thune as a “low-key and affable” politician who is giving “soft support” to Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign. Cornyn’s style of politics “runs a bit more bare-knuckled” but leaves room for the occasional bipartisan compromise. Barrasso is the “most vocally pro-Trump and conservative” of the likely choices and has already “tried to ingratiate himself and ease his path up the leadership ladder.”

Wildcard Picks: An article in Newsweek (Center bias) listed Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) and Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT) as other potential candidates. Daines declined to indicate if he would pursue the leadership position, telling Newsweek, “this is the time to reflect on Leader McConnell's legacy and accomplishments.”

From the Right: A writer in The Federalist (Right bias) stated that the “bid to replace America’s least popular politician is off to the races.” The writer urged Senate Republicans to elect a leader “who will adhere to the wishes of their voters and place American interests first,” criticizing McConnell for “his willingness to place foreign interests above American ones.” Of the likely replacements, the writer urged against Thune and Cornyn due to their support for a recent foreign aid bill.