Crowded field of potential McConnell successors emerges in Senate

 Several potential successors are being eyed to fill the role of outgoing Republican Minority Leader Mitch McConnell as the party faces a growing divide between more mainstream Republicans and a faction of hard-line conservative members.

Those being named as possible replacements for the leadership post include Senator John Cornyn, R-Texas; John Thune, R-N.D.; John Barrasso, R-Wyo.; Rick Scott R-Fla.; Tom Cotton, R-Ark.; and Steve Daines, R-Mont.

McConnell, who turned 82 last week, announced in a floor speech on Wednesday that he will step down from the leadership in November. The Kentucky Republican is the longest-serving party leader in Senate history.

Speculation about Thune, Barrasso or Daines taking over as leader stems from their current roles in GOP leadership. They serve as Republican Whip, Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, and Chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, respectively.

"Chairman Daines is focused on taking back the majority in the Senate," NRSC communications director Mike Berg told Fox News Digital.

A source familiar with the Senate Republican conference discussions shared that the "three Johns" – Thune, Cornyn and Barrasso – are not of the same political ideology. Barrasso is considered the most conservative of the three, the source said. Barrasso is also believed to be a more attractive option to the various factions of Republicans in the Senate, who do not always see eye to eye. He notably endorsed former President Trump early last month.

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"What I'm focused on is the election," Barrasso told reporters shortly after McConnell's announcement.

As far as decisions regarding leadership go, he said, "I'm going to talk to conference members, listen to what they have to say, listen to what direction they want to go with us."

After Barrasso, both Cornyn and Thune also endorsed Trump. Thune initially supported fellow senator Tim Scott, R-S.C. who eventually came out and supported Trump.

Senator Rick Scott was more vocal in his comments following McConnell's surprise announcement, saying in a statement, "I have been very clear and have long believed that we need new leadership in the Senate that will support our voters and those "Represents the issues for which we were sent here." fight for."

When Scott challenged McConnell for the post, Senator Mike Braun, R-Ind., told reporters that McConnell received 37 votes from conference members, while Scott received 10. One Republican voted "present." Some of those who reportedly voted against McConnell were Senators Josh Hawley, R-Mo; Ted Cruz, R-Texas; Braun; Ron Johnson, R-Wis.; and Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.

Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, who has endorsed Scott in his 2022 run, would welcome Scott's leadership if he takes office, a staffer in Lee's office told Fox News Digital.

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The source also shared that Cotton is being mentioned as a possible contender for the position. Cotton's office could not immediately be reached for comment.

Cornyn, who does not hold a leadership position in the GOP and is set to launch a potential bid for leader, said in a statement Wednesday that "today is about Mitch McConnell." "But I have made no secret of my intentions." He added.

Cornyn said on his timeline: "Not today."

Cornyn also endorsed former President Trump to become the Republican presidential nominee, and some lawmakers have begun looking to the potential GOP nominee for guidance on who should replace McConnell.

Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., told reporters Wednesday that the next person "definitely" needs to have a more positive relationship with Trump, adding, "He's going to be the next president, we need to get along." Work has to be done."

Senator Roger Marshall, R-Kan., agreed.

"It's very important that the next leader has a very positive relationship with the president," Marshall told Fox News Digital in an interview Wednesday. “I think this next leader needs to have a little more, maybe a lot more, populist approach.”

Marshall, who aligned himself with conservative hard-liners who have been critical of McConnell and voted against the bipartisan border compromise in the national security supplemental package this month, said the names being put forward for leadership are "when I've been here since, giving a job interview."

"I look at how they vote. I look at what their priorities are. I look at their numbers, what issues they're supporting," he said. "All of the names... have great qualities. They will do a good job. But I haven't even started the process of removing them. And let me tell you, it will be one of the hardest decisions I've ever made."