On November 16, 2022, Republican members of the United States Senate held an election to determine the leader of the Senate Republican Conference. Incumbent leader Mitch McConnell defeated a challenge by Florida senator Rick Scott in a vote by secret ballot. This was the first contested conference leadership election since 1996, and marked a departure from the tradition of unanimously confirming incumbent leaders who chose to run for re-election. Only those who were expected to serve as Republican senators in the 118th Congress were allowed to cast a vote.[1][2]
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Overview
editRepublicans failed to produce a predicted red wave during the 2022 United States elections. Some more conservative Republicans blamed this failure on current leadership, like incumbent Senate Republican Conference leader Mitch McConnell. The election marked the first time since 1996 a contested Senate Republican leadership challenge has gone to a vote.[3]
Candidates
editThe following candidates declared their intent to run.
| Candidate | State | Other Senate roles | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
.jpg) Mitch McConnell |
Kentucky (Served since 1985) |
Leader of the Senate Republican Conference (Since 2007) Republican Senate Whip (2003–2007) Chair of the Senate Rules Committee (1999–2001) |
[4] |
.jpg) Rick Scott |
Florida (Served since 2019) |
Chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee (Since 2021) |
[4] |
Endorsements
edit- Senators
- Josh Hawley, Senator from Missouri (2019–present)[5]
Results
edit| Candidate | Votes | Percent | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mitch McConnell | 37 | 79% | |
| Rick Scott | 10 | 21% | |
| Abstentions | 1 | N/A | |
| Did not vote | 1 | ||
| Total: | 47 | 100% | |
| Source:[6] | |||
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "'Nothing to negotiate': McConnell crushes Scott's right-flank rebellion".
- ^ "McConnell reelected as Senate leader despite historic challenge from Scott".
- ^ Lesniewski, Niels (November 16, 2022). "McConnell prevails in Senate GOP leadership contest". Roll Call. Retrieved November 10, 2024.
- ^ a b Treene, Alayna (November 15, 2022). "Rick Scott to challenge Mitch McConnell for Senate GOP leader". Axios. Retrieved November 9, 2024.
- ^ Desrochers, Daniel (November 15, 2022). "Does Trump still have Josh Hawley, Eric Schmitt's support for 2024 run? They won't say". The Kansas City Star. Retrieved November 9, 2024.
- ^ Davis, Susan; Bustillo, Ximena; Schapitl, Lexie; Swartz, Katherine (November 16, 2022). "McConnell wins leadership race but GOP infighting continues". NPR. Retrieved November 10, 2024.