Senate Republican Whip John Thune from South Dakota announced on Monday his bid to replace Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell from Kentucky as the Republican leader, adding more clarity to the candidates competing for the position.
Thune announced the news to two South Dakota media outlets, expressing his desire to initiate a “reset” in the way business is conducted in the Senate.
“Well, I hope to be [leader], and I’m going to do everything I can to convince my colleagues. They’re the voters. They’re the ones who ultimately make the decision. But that as we look at a new generation of consistent, principled, conservative leadership in the United States Senate that empowers our Senate Republicans, that puts a check and balanced against the Schumer, what has been a very liberal Schumer-Biden agenda, I’m prepared to lead that effort.” Thune said during an interview with a local TV station.
The second-ranking Senate Republican has been exploring the option of running for the leadership position with fellow senators ever since McConnell announced his decision to step down as leader in November.
Thune also mentioned to Dakota News Now that he aims to have a significant impact as Republicans strive to transition out of the minority in the upper chamber after four years.
He mentioned having aspirations for the leadership position during his reelection campaign in 2022.
Thune made his announcement shortly after Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas) entered the race.
The competition for the position is expected to take place only after the general election in November.
Thune recently threw his support behind former President Trump’s presidential campaign, following Cornyn’s endorsement in late January.
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