Rick Scott enters race to replace McConnell as Senate Republican leader

Florida Republican Sen. Rick Scott threw his hat in the ring on Wednesday to become the next Senate Minority Leader once Mitch McConnell retires at the end of the term. 

Two other senators have already announced their bids to replace McConnell, but Scott is a more conservative alternative for the leadership roles than Sens. John Thune from South Dakota, and John Cornyn from Texas.

Scott made eight promises in his announcement, which came in a "Dear Colleague" letter that was circulated on Wednesday afternoon, and obtained by The Hill. One such promise was to never surprise his colleagues with new legislation that they had not had a chance to review.

“This is not a time to make small adjustments, I believe we need a dramatic sea change to save our country and that’s why I’m running to be Republican leader,” Scott said in the letter. 

Scott also said he would never pressure his colleagues to vote against the interests of their constituents or to vote against a promise that they had campaigned on. 

The Floridian previously challenged McConnell for the top party seat in 2022, but only secured 10 votes. The move comes after McConnell, who is currently 82, said he would be departing from the position this November. But he will remain in the Senate through the end of his current term, which ends in 2026.

Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just the News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.