Sen. Rick Scott of Florida announced his candidacy to succeed Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, who will step down later this year. The Wall Street Journal first reported Scott’s plans, which he confirmed in a post on X. In a letter to colleagues obtained by NBC News, Scott emphasized the need for “dramatic change” and the desire to “upend the status quo in Washington.”
Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, the leading Democrat running against Scott in November, criticized his leadership bid, calling it “self-serving” and a “disaster for Americans.” Scott joins a competitive race with contenders such as Minority Whip John Thune of South Dakota and former whip John Cornyn of Texas. Other candidates may still enter, with a vote scheduled after the November election.
Scott previously challenged McConnell for the Republican leader position in 2022 but was defeated. Elected to the Senate in 2018, Scott is a former two-term Florida governor. He chaired the National Republican Senatorial Committee during the 2022 cycle, which did not achieve the desired Senate control for the Republicans. Sen. Steve Daines of Montana has since succeeded him as chair.
Discover more from News Facts Network
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
