Sen. Rick Scott Will Again Run For GOP Leader In Bid To Succeed Mitch McConnell

Igor Bobic

22 May 2024 at 5:55 pm·1-min read

WASHINGTON ― Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) announced Wednesday that he is running to replace Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) as GOP leader after McConnell steps down from the position in November, emphasizing his close relationship with former President Donald Trump.

“I have known President Trump since before either of us ran for any political office. As Republican leader, I will protect senators’ interests while helping President Trump accomplish his goals,” Scott wrote in a letter announcing his campaign that was addressed to his colleagues.

Scott challenged McConnell for the job in 2022 but lost by a wide margin. With McConnell now heading for the exit, however, he’s hoping his conference will favor a different direction, one more closely aligned with Trump and his agenda.

The candidates who have already announced bids for the top position ― Senate Minority Whip John Thune (R-S.D.) and Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) ― are members of the GOP establishment who have closer ties to McConnell.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

Australian Associated Press
'Frustrated' Scheffler considers schedule changes
Scottie Scheffler has failed to live up to his US Open favourite tag and after another over-par score is contemplating taking a break before big tournaments.
Australian Associated Press
Haitian leaders oust police chief amid gang violence
The director of Haiti's police force has been ousted by politicians as authorities grapple to deal with gangs.
Australian Associated Press
US Open winner to hit record $6.5m major jackpot
US Open winner will bank a major tournament-record $6.5m, second only to Scottie Scheffler's $6.8m payday at The Players Championship.
Australian Associated Press
Spain crush Croatia in impressive start to Euro 2024
Alvaro Morata, Fabian Ruiz and Dani Carvajal strike in the first half against Croatia to give three-time winners Spain a flying start to Euro 2024 campaign.
Australian Associated Press
Crows coach Nicks not waving the white flag
Adelaide have slipped to their fourth loss from their past five games after conceding 10 consecutive goals against Sydney on the way to a 42-point loss.
Australian Associated Press
Panda diplomacy as Chinese premier arrives in Australia
Li Qiang, China's second-highest ranked official after its president, is preparing for the first day of a visit that is the first of its kind in seven years.
Australian Associated Press
Barrett backs Moses, Tedesco anoints Edwards NSW No.1
Parramatta coach Trent Barrett says Mitch Moses should return to the NSW State of Origin halves, while James Tedesco has conceded he likely won't be picked.
Australian Associated Press
Why Longmire chose to bench nine-goal hero Amartey
Joel Amartey's nine-goal haul against Adelaide was the biggest by a Sydney Swans player since Lance Franklin kicked 10 against Carlton in 2017.
Australian Associated Press
Disappointment as mother of all NRL hoodoos drags on
It will likely be a decade since the Warriors last tasted victory over Melbourne when they next get a chance to break their hoodoo after failing twice in 2024.
Australian Associated Press
Aussie swimmers vow to honour Campbell's legacy
Australia's swimmers are vowing to honour the Olympic legacy of Cate Campbell, who missed selection for the Paris Games.
Australian Associated Press
India and Canada left frustrated as rain wins again
India and Canada's Twenty20 World Cup match has been abandoned without a ball being bowled as Florida venue suffers its second total rain-off in two days.
Australian Associated Press
Richards' IOC call after parents caught in ticket scam
Swimming gold medallist Matt Richards wants more help with tickets for competitors' families from the IOC after his parents lost out in a scam.
Australian Associated Press
Sweden and Iran exchange prisoners in deal: officials
Iran and Sweden have carried out a prisoner swap involving an ex-European Union diplomat and a man convicted in Stockholm of committing war crimes in 1988.
Australian Associated Press
Amartey kicks nine goals as soaring Swans crush Crows
Sydney have soared three wins clear on top of the AFL ladder after beating Adelaide by 42 points on a night to remember for nine-goal hero Joel Amartey.
Australian Associated Press
Tedesco expects Origin axe despite role in Roosters win
James Tedesco made a late push to hold on to the NSW No.1 jersey as the Sydney Roosters beat Parramatta 28-18 to sit fifth in the NRL.
Australian Associated Press
Vixens gain Super Netball revenge over Lightning
The Melbourne Vixens increased their Super Netball ladder lead to eight points with a 63-61 win over the Lightning - the only team to beat them this season.
Australian Associated Press
Kate in first public appearance since cancer diagnosis
Princess Kate has attended the King's birthday parade - her first appearance since she was diagnosed with cancer and paused public life to receive treatment.
Australian Associated Press
Hughes lifts Storm to extend win streak over Warriors
Jahrome Hughes starred as the Melbourne Storm overturned an early 14-0 deficit to win against the Warriors in the NRL for a 16th straight time.
Australian Associated Press
Australia's swim team features 22 Olympic debutants
Some 22 Australian swimmers will make their Olympic debut after being named on a 41-strong swim team to compete at the Paris pool.
Australian Associated Press
Cate Campbell fails in bid to swim at Paris Olympics
Cate Campbell's famed Olympic career is over, with the four-time gold medallist and celebrity swimmer failing to make Australia's swim team for the Paris Games.

Latest stories