Trump ally Barrasso passes on Senate GOP leadership race to replace McConnell

The leadership race will no longer be between the "three Johns," whittling the contest down to Sens. John Cornyn and John Thune.

By Madeleine Hubbard

Published: March 7, 2024 8:21am

Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., the third-ranking Senate Republican leader, is running for the No. 2 Senate GOP leadership position this year instead of joining the race to replace Kentucky Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell as Senate GOP leader.

With Barrasso's decision to run for Republican whip, the leadership race will no longer be between the "three Johns," whittling the contest down to Sens. John Cornyn of Texas and John Thune of South Dakota, according to multiple news reports.

Barrasso was a preferred leadership pick for more conservative senators, and he has the best relationship with former President Donald Trump out of the potential Senate GOP leader contenders, per Axios.

Thune, the current whip, and Cornyn, who served as whip for six years, are term-limited out of the position.

Barrasso's current position as conference chair is also term-limited, but Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., told radio host Hugh Hewitt on Tuesday that he is running for the position.

Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, who is the No. 4 GOP senator as party policy committee chair, has not publicly decided whether she plans to stay in her current position or pursue another spot.

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