Sen. John Cornyn running to succeed leader McConnell; Mudslinging with Ken Paxton begins

Cornyn responds after Texas AG Ken Paxton, who hinted at challenging him in 2026, questions whether Cornyn is conservative enough to lead the GOPhas informed his colleagues that he intends to run for Senate Republican leader, becoming the first senator to announce a campaign after Sen.

Cornyn, a former Texas attorney general who was first elected to the Senate in 2002, is a prominent member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and a popular member of the GOP conference who is seen as a steady hand. He has managed to bridge some of the caucus’ deep divides in recent years while also occasionally negotiating with Democrats, as he did on bipartisan gun legislation in 2022.

Thune told reporters Wednesday that McConnell’s departure leaves “big shoes to fill,” but that now is a time “to reflect on his service and honor him for that. And then we’ll we’ll go from there.” Barrasso said he planned to talk to fellow senators and listen to what they have to say about the “direction they want to take.”

There are certain to be other candidates, as well, including from the wing of the party that is closest to Trump.

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