As the Senate GOP prepares for its first competitive leadership race since 2007, a new concern is looming among Republican senators: the potential involvement of former President Donald Trump. With the race to replace Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell heating up, many senators are quietly hoping that Trump will stay out of the process.
Several senators have expressed their reservations, both privately and publicly. Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) voiced his concern, stating, “I think outside influence could be problematic.” Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), who has spoken with Trump about the race, revealed that he advised the former president to stay neutral, suggesting there is “no win” for Trump in getting involved.
While there’s no clear indication if Trump will endorse a candidate, his influence over a growing segment of the GOP remains significant. Some senators, like Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), acknowledge that Trump has shared his views privately, though it’s unclear whether he will publicly weigh in on the race.
The two leading contenders, Senators John Thune (R-S.D.) and John Cornyn (R-Texas), have both had rocky relationships with Trump. Thune denounced Trump after the January 6th Capitol riots and has since endorsed Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) for president. Cornyn, meanwhile, has urged the GOP to move on from Trump. However, despite these past tensions, sources say that Trump still “likes” Thune, according to Mullin.
While Thune is considered the favorite by many insiders, Cornyn’s long history of successful fundraising for Senate campaigns makes him a strong contender. The race remains fluid, with no clear majority support for either candidate. As Senator Hawley noted, “If one of them felt that they really had a majority, I think they would not be shy about saying that, but I don’t think anybody does.”
There are also murmurs of a potential late entry into the race, with NRSC Chair Steve Daines (R-Mont.) being the most frequently mentioned name. Despite the uncertainty, the candidates continue to navigate a delicate balance, knowing that any endorsement from Trump could significantly alter the dynamics of the leadership contest.
For now, the GOP senators are left waiting, unsure if Trump’s involvement will turn this internal election into a more public and potentially divisive contest.