John Cornyn backs term limits for next Senate Republican leader as he campaigns to succeed McConnell
Aspiring Senate Republican leader John Cornyn has come out in favor of establishing term limits for the top brass in the upper chamber.
“One reason I am running to be the next Republican Leader is because I believe the Senate needs more engagement from all of my colleagues, and that includes the opportunity for any Member to serve in Leadership,” Cornyn (R-Texas) posted on X Tuesday evening.
“I will support a conference vote to change the rules and institute term limits for the Republican Leader.”
Cornyn, 72, was the first to jump in the race to succeed outgoing Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), 82, who last week announced his intention to step aside following the Nov. 5 elections.
McConnell is the longest-serving leader of either political party in the history of the Senate, having held that role since 2007, when he succeeded Bill Frist of Tennessee.
Last year, McConnell experienced multiple health scares in which he froze up while speaking in public. His team claimed that was part of his recovery from a concussion that he suffered after a tumble last year.
Having commenced his Senate career in 1985, McConnell bridged the Ronald Reagan era and the Donald Trump era, but has appeared increasingly at odds with isolationists and nationalists within the Republican Party.
The Kentucky sage begrudgingly endorsed former President Donald Trump’s election bid Wednesday after his last remaining rival, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, suspended her campaign.
Trump has not endorsed anyone to be the Senate Republican leader.
So far, Cornyn’s only competition is Senate Minority Whip John Thune (R-SD), 63, who holds the No. 2 Republican post in the Senate and tossed his hat in the ring earlier this week.
Another rumored contender, Senate Republican Conference Chair John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), steered clear of a showdown with the other Johns and opted to vie to replace Thune as the whip instead.
Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), another mooted McConnell replacement, is running for conference chair.
Cornyn previously served as the Senate Republican whip from 2013 to 2019, when he was succeeded by Thune. Prior to that, the Texan helmed the National Republican Senatorial Committee.
Other possible dark horse contenders, such as Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), are also believed to be contemplating a leadership bid.
Scott mounted an unsuccessful challenge to McConnell after the 2022 midterm elections and has had a notoriously fraught relationship with the outgoing party leader.
