Trump Allies Want Rick Scott to Lead Senate, House Race Still Undecided

Above: United States Senator Rick Scott (R-Fla.) speaks during a roundtable discussion with Latino community leaders at Trump National Doral Miami resort in Miami, Florida, on Oct. 22, 2024. Image copyright: Chandan Khanna/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images

The Facts

  • As Republicans are poised to regain control of the US Senate, currently with 53 seats compared to the Democrats' 46, GOP senators will conduct a secret vote Wednesday to choose who will replace Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) as the Senate GOP leader.

  • Among those vying for the position, which would make them Senate majority leader once the GOP is in power, are John Cornyn (R-Texas), John Thune (R-SD), and Rick Scott (R-Fla.), though Pres.-elect Donald Trump hasn't endorsed anyone yet.


The Spin

Narrative A

The American people voted for the Trump agenda and deserve a Senate leader willing to legislate in that manner. While establishment Republicans like McConnell seek to undermine the administration before it even begins, the majority of Senators have a responsibility to ignore such schemes and vote for an America First leader like Rick Scott.

Narrative B

The Senate leader race should be conducted without the influence of outside actors, including Pres.-elect Trump. There are other qualified candidates besides Scott, all of whom deserve a fair shot at the position. Cornyn, for instance, has helped raise millions to secure this GOP majority and publicly endorsed Trump's cabinet. His America First record is also a winning strategy.


Metaculus Prediction


Public figures in this story