Key GOP senators to watch during Trump's second impeachment trial

In total, 17 GOP senators would need to join Democrats to convict Trump
Capitol building
By Nicholas Ballasy

There is a group of key Republican senators that the public should follow during the Senate impeachment trial of former President Trump.

In total, 17 GOP senators would need to join all 50 Democrats to convict Trump.

Sens. Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Mitt Romney of Utah, Ben Sasse of Nebraska, and Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania each voted with the Democrats on the constitutionality of an impeachment trial of a former president. These Republicans voted to move forward with Trump's post-presidency impeachment trial and are most likely to join Democrats to convict Trump.

Sens. Richard Burr of North Carolina, Rob Portman of Ohio, and Richard Shelby of Alabama voted against moving forward with Trump's trial, but they haven't said whether they would vote to convict Trump.

Burr, Portman and Shelby are not seeking re-election so the public should follow the statements of these senators throughout the trial.

Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell, of Kentucky, has said Trump bears some responsibility for the Jan. 6 Capitol riot so he remains a potential yes vote on conviction. 

Sens. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, Mike Crapo of Idaho, Deb Fischer of Nebraska, Jim Risch of Idaho, Dan Sullivan of Alaska, and Todd Young of Indiana are also senators to keep an eye on throughout the trial.