Sen. Rick Scott Announces His Bid To Replace Mitch McConnell As Senate GOP Leader

Sen. Rick Scott (R-Florida) announced his bid for Senate GOP leader, despite losing decisively to Mitch McConnell in 2022.

Upon entering the three-way race, Scott will face significant competition from Senate Minority Whip John Thune (R-South Dakota) and former Whip Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas).

In announcing his bid for Senate leader, Scott took to X, writing, “We need a sea of change in D.C…We WILL make Washington work for you.”

In a letter to his fellow senators, he further highlighted the changes he hopes to make. “I believe that our voters want us to use this leadership election to make a choice to upend the status quo,” wrote Scott. “If you also believe this to be true and want a leader dedicated to that principle, I would be honored to have the opportunity to earn your support.”

Scott detailed his aims to increase transparency, instill a six-year leadership term limit, address issues such as illegal border crossings, high debt levels and rising global tensions and prevent omnibus spending bills, which McConnell has long since backed.

“I think we need to be way more transparent with each other and the American people,” Scott wrote. “There have been far too many backroom deals cut in secret.”

Scott stated that he would not sign off on deals that unite Democrats and divide Republicans, including significant legislation on raising the debt ceiling, government funding, gun control, infrastructure and microchip manufacturing.

“Republicans all across America want the Republicans they elected to the U.S. Senate to stop caving into Democrat demands,” Scott wrote, “This is not an unreasonable request or expectation.”

Throughout his term, Scott has prioritized uniting congressional Republicans, organizing regular breakfasts and dinners. If elected as leader, he promised to enhance communication and relationships between both Senate and House Republicans.

Among his two opponents, Scott has positioned himself as the most pro-Trump candidate, highlighting his long-standing relationship with the former president, which predates both of their political careers.

Thune has long been viewed as the frontrunner to become the next leader due to his seniority and close relationship with McConnell. However, Scott’s entry may complicate the race, especially if Trump decides to weigh in.

Conservative Senate Republicans, who endorsed Scott back in 2022, have already taken to X to voice their support.

“Sen. Rick Scott is the Senate leader we need,” wrote Rep. John Rutherford (R-Florida), “Rick is a true conservative with the record to prove it. He has the knowledge, skills and ability to lead our nation’s return to economic prosperity and military strength in the face of threats from abroad.”

Scott is running for another six-year term in November, and he is favored to win. The leadership election will be held shortly afterward.