Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) spoke to Texas Politics regarding the ongoing Republican Senate Leader race after Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) recently announced that he would be throwing his hat in the ring. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and John Thune (R-SD) are also in the running.
Sen. Cruz was diplomatic in his approach as he did not appear to have anyone in particular in mind.
"I think we'll see several people run and I expect a vigorous contested election," said Sen. Cruz. "My hope is that this leader election provides an opportunity to change how the Republican Conference operates. I've sat down and spoken with all three of the candidates who are currently running, John Cornyn, John Thune, Rick Scott, they're all friends. I've worked closely with all three of them. As for me, I'm going to keep my powder dry. I'm going to listen with an open mind."
Sen. Scott jumped into the race much later compared to the two candidates mentioned. Sen. Cornyn announced his bid in late February, and Thune in early March.
Sen. Cornyn said that he has “built a track record” of leadership skills that would make him the right fit for the job.
“I am asking my Republican colleagues to give me the opportunity to succeed Leader [Mitch] McConnell. I have learned a lot during my time both in and out of Senate leadership,” Cornyn said in a statement. “Throughout my time I’ve built a track record of listening to colleagues and seeking consensus, while leading the fight to stop bad policies that are harmful to our nation and the conservative cause.”
Republicans will select their new leadership in the Senate after the general election in November, according to the Texas Tribune.
However, Sen. Scott might have secured the support of former President Donald Trump (R).
Sources close to the Scott campaign revealed to The Floridian that after the former Florida Governor spoke with Trump, he was "supportive" of Scott's endeavors.
Additionally, Scott said that Trump was “excited” that he was running for party leadership during an appearance on Fox News.
I’m running for Senate Republican Leader.
It’s time for real change in Washington. pic.twitter.com/6ixk1o3Q2D
— Rick Scott (@ScottforFlorida) May 23, 2024
Finally, Sen. Cruz emphasized what he wanted to see from the next Senate Republican Leader.
“I want to hear from anyone who wants to be leader, how he or she intends to democratize the Conference. The most important change the next leader can do is commit not to fill the tree – which is an obscure procedural tactic that both Mitch McConnell and Chuck Schumer use to prevent any amendments on the floor of the Senate,” said Cruz. “For 200 years of our nation’s history, senators on the floor of the Senate could offer unlimited amendments and they did. The fact that Schumer and McConnell have locked arms to prevent the other 98 senators from offering amendments is a big part of why this place is broken. So my hope is this leader election gives us an opportunity to change that.”
