2022 Senate Republican Conference leadership election
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On November 16, 2022, Republican members of the United States Senate held an election to determine the leader of the Senate Republican Conference. Incumbent leader Mitch McConnell defeated a challenge by Florida senator Rick Scott in a vote by secret ballot. This was the first contested conference leadership election since 1996, marking a break from the tradition of unanimously confirming incumbent leaders seeking re-election. Voting was limited to those expected to serve as Republican senators in the 118th Congress.[1][2]
Overview
Republicans failed to produce the anticipated red wave during the 2022 United States elections, leading some more conservative members to blame the outcome on current leadership, including incumbent Senate Republican Conference leader Mitch McConnell. The election also marked the first time since 1996 that a contested Senate Republican leadership challenge proceeded to a vote.[3]
Candidates
The following candidates declared their intent to run.
| Candidate | State | Other Senate roles | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
.jpg) Mitch McConnell | Kentucky (Served since 1985) | Leader of the Senate Republican Conference (Since 2007) Republican Senate Whip (2003–2007) Chair of the Senate Rules Committee (1999–2001) | [4] |
.jpg) Rick Scott | Florida (Served since 2019) | Chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee (Since 2021) | [4] |
Endorsements
- Senators
- Josh Hawley, Senator from Missouri (2019–present)[5]
Results
| Candidate | Votes | Percent | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mitch McConnell | 37 | 79% | |
| Rick Scott | 10 | 21% | |
| Write-in | 1 | N/A | |
| Abstentions | 1 | ||
| Total: | 47 | 100% | |
| Source:[6] | |||
See also
References
- ^ "'Nothing to negotiate': McConnell crushes Scott's right-flank rebellion".
- ^ "McConnell reelected as Senate leader despite historic challenge from Scott".
- ^ Lesniewski, Niels (November 16, 2022). "McConnell prevails in Senate GOP leadership contest". Roll Call. Retrieved November 10, 2024.
- ^ a b Treene, Alayna (November 15, 2022). "Rick Scott to challenge Mitch McConnell for Senate GOP leader". Axios. Retrieved November 9, 2024.
- ^ Desrochers, Daniel (November 15, 2022). "Does Trump still have Josh Hawley, Eric Schmitt's support for 2024 run? They won't say". The Kansas City Star. Retrieved November 9, 2024.
- ^ Davis, Susan; Bustillo, Ximena; Schapitl, Lexie; Swartz, Katherine (November 16, 2022). "McConnell wins leadership race but GOP infighting continues". NPR. Retrieved November 10, 2024.