Texas Republican Representative Troy Nehls said on Friday that he thinks former President Donald Trump should help in choosing a replacement for Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.
While appearing on Fox Business Network's Mornings with Maria Bartiromo, Nehls spoke about different lawmakers that could replace McConnell after he announced his plans to step down. Nehls' top priority, however, is getting Trump elected in November and making sure that he has an ally in the Senate.
"I believe that Donald J. Trump will play a significant role in who the next leader is in the Senate," Nehls said. "And rightfully so, he should, because Donald Trump will be our president, he will be the 47th president and he's gonna want to damn-well make sure that whoever is leading the charge in the Senate understands Donald Trump and his polices to make America great again, again."
The Context:
Earlier this week, McConnell, 82, announced that he is planning to step down from his role as Senate minority leader in November, and will continue to serve in the Senate until the end of his current term in 2027.
"So, I stand before you today, Mr. President, and my colleagues, to say this will be my last term as Republican leader of the Senate," McConnell said during a speech on the Senate floor. "I'll complete my job; my colleagues have given me until we select a new leader in November, and they take the helm next January. I'll finish the job the people of Kentucky hired me to do as well, albeit from a different seat."
What We Know:
Some names that have come up as possible replacements for McConnell include Senators John Cornyn, John Thune, John Barrasso, Steve Daines and Rick Scott.
On Thursday, Cornyn became the first Senate Republican to announce his plans to run to replace McConnell, saying: "I believe the Senate is broken—that is not news to anyone. The good news is that it can be fixed, and I intend to play a major role in fixing it. From experience, I have learned what works in the Senate and what does not, and I am confident Senate Republicans can restore our institution to the essential role it serves in our constitutional republic."
Newsweek reached out to Trump's spokesperson via email for comment.
Views:
While speaking with reporters in Texas on Thursday, Trump was asked about McConnell's decision to step down and said: "I hear he's not going to be leader, and he's taken that step and a lot of people are calling me to politic for that particular job."
When asked if he had any specific individuals who he'd like to see replace McConnell, Trump said: "Well, I can't say that. A lot of good choices."
Trump remains the leading Republican candidate in the 2024 election, ahead of former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley.
Republican Senator Mike Braun also spoke about Trump and McConnell's relationship while discussing replacements for the Senate minority leader.
"If [McConnell] does decide to stick through November, I think he needs to come out strongly for Trump, even though he might have to bite his tongue to do that," Braun said on Thursday, during an interview with Mornings with Maria Bartiromo.
What's Next:
In November, Republican senators will hold a vote on who will replace McConnell as the Senate minority leader. In addition to Cornyn, several other Republicans will likely announce their plans to run in the race to replace McConnell.
Update 3/1/24, 8:33 a.m. ET: This story has been updated with further information.
Update 3/1/24, 8:48 a.m. ET: This story has been updated with further information.
Uncommon Knowledge
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
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Matthew Impelli is a Newsweek staff writer based in New York. His focus is reporting social issues and crime. In ... Read more
