Barrasso Won’t Answer Questions About Senate Leadership Position

Will he or won't he?

Wyoming's Sen. John Barrasso is playing his cards close to the chest as to whether he will run for Mitch McConnell's leadership position in the U.S. Senate next year.

As the Senate Republican Conference chair, he is in a perfect position to run.

That election doesn't occur until later in November.

To me, the key election is the one earlier in November.

The election for President of the United States and Senate seats all around the country," Barrasso said at a news conference supporting Arizona Senate candidate Kari Lake in Phoenix.

And that's why I'm here, that's the election I'm concerned about

 

U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell has decided to step down from his leadership role in November.

McConnell is the longest-serving Senate Republican leader in U.S. history.

He may not run for reelection next term.

So who will replace him as leader of the Republican party in the Senate?

The list of possible candidates includes Senators John Thune, R-S.D., Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, and John Barrasso, R-Wy.

Thune is the Republican whip.
Ernst is the Senate Republican Policy Committee chair.
Barrasso is the Senate Republican Conference chairman.

Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, said he expects Cornyn and Thune to run but he's not sure if Barrasso will try for the position.

Barrasso said that his "focus" right now is on the November election for president and control of the House and Senate.

Barrasso has endorsed Trump for president.
McConnell has declined to publicly endorse Trump for 2024.

When McConnell was asked about possibly endorsing Trump he dodged the question.

Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, said on Wednesday that she doesn't think former President Trump, will play any role in who is chosen for this position.

Senator Barrasso is the third-ranking member in the Senate Republican leadership as Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference. He serves on committees that directly impact Wyoming's economy, energy interests, public lands, national parks, and trade.

Barrasso was sworn into the United States Senate in 2007 having represented the people of Natrona County in the Wyoming State Senate from 2003-2007. In November 2018, Barrasso was reelected to the U.S. Senate with more than 67% of the vote.

As a Wyoming doctor, he spent 24 years as an orthopedic surgeon.

He served as President of the Wyoming Medical Society and was named Wyoming Physician of the Year.