Senate Leadership Fights Loom as Democrats Take Control
Republicans debate delaying a vote for John Thune while Democrats weigh a challenge to Chuck Schumer.
By Luis Medina ·
Senate Republicans face an internal dispute over whether to vote for a new leader on Tuesday, while Senate Democrats hold private talks about replacing their current leadership.
The conflict stems from last week's election results, which gave Democrats a majority of up to 56 seats in the next Congress. Republicans are set to lose approximately a quarter of their conference members through losses and retirements.
Leadership votes are scheduled for closed-door, secret-ballot elections. Republicans are expected to vote this week, while Democrats are likely to hold their vote in December. Both current leaders, South Dakota Sen. John Thune and New York Sen. Chuck Schumer, are expected to win a majority of their respective caucuses.
The timeline of the leadership transition began when Thune replaced Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell two years ago. Schumer has led the Senate Democratic caucus for 12 years. The current uncertainty arises from the scale of the electoral shift and the departure of long-time figures.
Republicans are divided on the timing of Thune's reelection. A small group of senators, including Pennsylvania Sen. Dave McCormick, argues that the election is too soon. McCormick stated that Republicans should not choose a leader until the lessons of the election are fully debated. Utah Sen. Mike Lee, who signed a letter with Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson, suggested waiting until the outstanding races in Alaska and Mississippi are decided.
Thune maintains that the conference will proceed with the election on Tuesday. He stated that the group will have a full conversation about the party's direction and that the decision rests with Republican senators. Trump, who called Thune a fine man, said the reelection is up to the Senate.
On the Democratic side, Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen is considering a challenge to Schumer. A person familiar with his thinking said Van Hollen is open to a run. Incoming senators are already weighing their votes. Michigan Sen. Abdul El-Sayed said he will support Van Hollen. Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown said he supports Schumer. Michigan Sen.-elect Peggy Flanagan said she is not ready to commit.
Thune spoke on the Senate floor on Monday, saying the American people do not want a socialist government. He said Republicans will oppose attempts to expand the size of government. Schumer said Democrats will prioritize affordability and strive to earn the trust of Americans. The chamber is also focused on funding the government and confirming Trump nominees before the new Congress begins on January 3.
