Trump pushing Daines to run for Senate GOP leader: Report

In the wake of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell announcing plans to step down as conference leader in November, former President Donald Trump is reportedly pushing a close ally to jump into the race to succeed him.

McConnell made the announcement Wednesday, saying that "[o]ne of life’s most underappreciated talents is to know when it’s time to move on to life’s next chapter." Among his potential replacements are the so-called "three Johns," who have served as his aides-de-camp during much of his leadership stint. GOP Sens. John Cornyn, Texas; John Thune, S.D.; and John Barrasso, Wyo.; have emerged as likely contenders.

But Trump, for his part, appears interested in someone less aligned with the outgoing Republican leader and is reportedly urging Montana GOP Sen. Steve Daines to jump into the race, Politico reported, citing "a person familiar with the conversation."

Daines assumed the role of National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) chairman in 2022, succeeding Florida GOP Sen. Rick Scott, who challenged McConnell for leadership in the same year. Scott's name has also emerged as a potential successor to McConnell.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.