Replacing McConnell: Scott Challenges Senate Leadership

Three race for the coveted post

Sen. Rick Scott Fla-R. speaking outside the Manhattan criminal court Thurs, May 9th, 2024. He had attended former President Trump's trial.Photo byAP Photo by Joseph Frederick

Florida's Republican Senator, Rick Scott, made a stunning announcement reported by the Wall Street Journal on Wednesday. Scott said he will run to take the place of Republican Senate leader Mitch McConnell after he steps down in November.

This will make Senator Scott the third Republican to throw their hat into the ring for the celebrated position.

Senator McConnell has held his ranking for 18 years making him the longest running Republican Senate leader in history. McConnell said he would be relinquishing his post in November after the election yet, he will remain in the Senate just not as the party leader.

The three men who will vie for the McConnell's job are:

1. Senator John Thune - South Dakota - Minority Whip
2. Senator John Cornyn - Texas - former Minority Whip
3. Senator Rick Scott - Florida

Senator Scott is an ally of former President Trump and was even seen outside the Manhattan Courthouse during his Hush Money trial speaking to reporters on May, 9th about his thoughts. Within his speech he left no doublt that he is a firm supporter of the former president.

Scott made an announcement on Fox News, calling himself the "Agent of Change". Scott went on to say he told former President Trump about his plans earlier that day.

“He said he’s excited I’m getting into the race,” Scott said.

However, not everyone is as excited about his decision. Congresswoman, Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, who is the leading Democrat running to unseat Scott in November, says:

He would be “self-serving” and “a disaster for Americans” if he became GOP leader.

All three of the canidates have endorsed the former president but both Thune and Cornyn have criticized him in the past.

Scott, on the other hand, was never a fan of Senator McConnell and attempted to unseat him in 2022 but failed.

After hearing about McConnell's intentions he said:

“I think there’s a better way to run the Senate,” Scott said after McConnell announced he would step down from leadership. “So we’ll see what happens.” -

Reported by APNews.com

References

AP News - https://apnews.com/article/rick-scott-senate-leader-mcconnell-trump-c109e5a0546ad4adad1174923deb90df

NBC News - https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna153622