Sen. John Cornyn Launches Bid to Become New GOP Senate Leader After McConnell Departure

Sen. John Cornyn has announced that he’s officially in the running to replace Sen. Mitch McConnell as the Senate GOP leader.

Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) in Washington, on Dec. 5, 2022. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) has officially begun his bid to replace Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) as the Senate Republican leader, becoming the first senator to enter the fray in what could be a fiercely competitive race.

Mr. McConnell, who has been the Senate Republican leader since 2007, announced on Feb. 28 that his leadership role in the upper chamber would reach its “sunset” in November, although he plans to remain in the Senate in a different role.