Steve Daines has Trump’s backing to keep marching towards Senate makeover

Trump Quietly Pushes for Steve Daines ​as GOP Senate Leader

Former President Donald Trump has been quietly advocating for National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman Steve Daines ​(R-MT) to consider running for the position ‍of GOP Senate leader, according to multiple ⁤reports.

When Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced his resignation from his leadership role in November, speculation immediately began about his successor. Much‍ of the‌ attention has been focused on the “three Johns,” with Sen. ‌John Cornyn ​(R-TX) announcing his candidacy to replace McConnell just recently.

However, Trump’s influence⁤ on the race to succeed the‍ Republican leader is already ⁤making waves in the upper chamber.

“I told [Trump] the most⁣ important thing I can do at this​ moment is to ensure we have a Senate majority ​in November,” said Daines to ​Politico. Daines was the first‍ prominent senator to endorse Trump back in April.

Senate Republicans have elected Daines to lead their efforts in regaining the Senate majority in 2022, ‍and⁤ he has been actively supporting a⁤ number of Trump-backed candidates ahead of the November elections. With Democrats holding a slim majority of 51-49 in the ‍Senate, Republicans⁣ only need to gain⁤ one or two seats to flip⁢ the chamber.

However, Republicans have faced challenges in recent elections with nominating primary ⁢candidates on the far right ⁤who struggle to perform well in general elections. Examples include Herschel Walker, the Georgia Senate candidate in 2022, and Doug‍ Mastriano, the Pennsylvania Senate candidate⁤ in ⁢2020.

Daines has taken a more proactive approach to recruiting Senate candidates compared to his predecessor. He has made an effort to‍ blend the “MAGA” wing of the party with less controversial‍ candidates, depending on the⁤ specific​ electorate.

For example, Daines has⁣ recruited Kari Lake to run in another contest in Arizona after she failed to defeat now-Gov. Kate Hobbs (D-AZ) in 2022. Daines has also ‍proven to be a formidable force in his home ⁣state, recruiting Tim Sheehy, a former Navy SEAL, to challenge Sen. Jon ⁣Tester (D-MT) and effectively pushing Rep. Matt Rosendale​ (R-MT) out of the race.

When asked by NonStop ​Local if he would be ⁤interested in taking on the leadership role, Daines stated that his focus is on serving his state and restoring power to the GOP, but he⁤ did not provide a definitive answer.

“The⁤ people‌ who elected me to serve in the United States Senate are Montanans, and I am laser-focused⁤ on serving the people of Montana,” said Daines. “I am also​ focused on winning back⁣ the United States‌ Senate in November and taking that gavel‌ out of​ Chuck Schumer’s hands.”

What factors ‌will Republican senators consider when deciding on the next Senate leader, and‌ how will these factors impact⁢ the outcome of the race

⁢ S to help Republicans take back majorities in ⁣the House and the Senate,” Daines said in ⁤an interview with The Hill. “I’m focusing on Montana and building the Senate campaign committee.” Daines ​is currently‌ serving as the chairman of the National Republican​ Senatorial Committee, a position that puts him in a prominent role within⁤ the party.

While Daines has ​not officially announced his intention to run for Senate leader,⁢ Trump’s support could give him ⁢a ‌significant advantage in the race.⁣ The former president has remained a powerful force within the Republican Party, commanding a loyal following and playing a key role in shaping the party’s agenda and endorsements.

Trump’s push for ‌Daines as ⁣Senate leader comes​ as no surprise, considering their close relationship. Throughout his presidency, Trump consistently praised Daines for his loyalty and conservative values. Daines, in ⁣turn, has⁢ been ‍a staunch supporter of Trump’s policies and agenda.

However, Trump’s⁤ endorsement may not be⁢ enough to​ secure Daines the position. McConnell, who is known for his strategic‌ thinking and strong leadership‌ skills, has been a formidable figure within the ‍party for decades. His decision to ⁢step down as Senate minority leader has created an opportunity⁤ for other Republican ‍senators⁤ to vie for⁢ the position and shape the future direction of the party.

Other potential contenders⁣ for ⁤the Senate leader position include Senators John Thune ‍​(R-SD) and⁣ John Barrasso ​(R-WY). Thune currently serves as the Senate minority whip, while Barrasso ‍is the third-ranking Republican in the Senate. Both senators have significant experience and a strong track record within the party.

Whoever succeeds​ McConnell ⁣as Senate leader will ⁢face the challenge of uniting ⁤a deeply divided party. The Republican Party is currently grappling ‌with internal divisions over issues such‍ as immigration, healthcare, and fiscal policy. ⁣The next Senate leader will be responsible for guiding the party’s agenda and ‍strategy‌ in‍ the upcoming ⁢elections and⁤ beyond.

The race‍ for Senate leader is ‍likely to intensify in the coming months, as Republican senators jockey for support⁤ and rally their colleagues. Trump’s endorsement of⁢ Daines adds a new dynamic to the race, with the‌ former president’s ‌influence potentially tipping the scales in favor of his preferred candidate.

It remains to be seen whether‍ Daines will officially announce his candidacy for Senate ‌leader and how other potential contenders will respond to Trump’s endorsement. As the ⁢race unfolds, it will undoubtedly have significant implications ‍for the future of the Republican Party and its leadership in Congress.

While Daines may be‌ an appealing choice for Trump and his supporters, the‍ ultimate decision lies in the hands of Republican senators, who will weigh various factors, including leadership skills, experience, and ability to unite the party. The race for​ Senate leader will be a test of not only individual candidates but also the shifting dynamics within the Republican Party.

As the race for Senate leader⁢ continues, all eyes will‌ be on the Republican Party⁣ as it navigates the post-Trump ⁢era and charts a course for the future. The outcome of this​ race will⁢ determine not only the direction of​ the party but also its ability to effectively ⁤oppose President Biden‍ and the Democratic agenda.

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases