Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell lavishes praise on Senator Steve Daines for his strategic leadership in securing a GOP Senate majority, but Daines declines to run for the top leadership position.
At a Glance
- Republicans flip the Senate, with key victories in West Virginia, Montana, and Ohio
- McConnell credits Daines’ leadership of the National Republican Senatorial Committee for the GOP’s success
- Daines collaborated with former President Trump to influence Republican Senate primaries
- Despite urging from colleagues, Daines will not run for GOP Senate leader
- Senate Republicans to elect new leader on November 13
GOP Secures Senate Majority
In a stunning turn of events, the Republican Party has regained control of the Senate, flipping key seats in battleground states. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell took a victory lap, attributing the GOP’s success to the quality of their candidates and the strategic leadership of Senator Steve Daines, who chairs the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC).
The Republicans have secured at least 52 seats in the Senate, with six races still undecided. This shift in power comes after notable victories in West Virginia, Montana, and Ohio, where strong Republican candidates managed to unseat their Democratic opponents.
McConnell Praises Daines’ Leadership
McConnell was effusive in his praise for Senator Daines’ role in orchestrating the Republican victory. “I want to give particular credit to Steve Daines. I had that job at the NRSC a few years back. I have never seen a better performance. He focused on getting quality candidates, making sure they actually got the nomination,” McConnell said.
“Candidate quality is essential, absolutely essential. I think we had the best candidates everywhere yesterday,” he added.
Daines’ approach marked a significant departure from the strategy employed by his predecessor, Rick Scott. While Scott had taken a hands-off approach to primary races, Daines was willing to intervene to ensure the nomination of candidates he believed had the best chance of winning in the general election.
Collaboration with Trump
A key aspect of Daines’ strategy was his willingness to collaborate with former President Donald Trump to influence Republican Senate primaries. This partnership proved particularly effective in Montana, where their endorsed candidate, Tim Sheehy, defeated incumbent Jon Tester by approximately eight points.
“People are sick and tired of losing,” Steve Daines said.
McConnell also acknowledged the improved efficiency of the Trump campaign, stating, “I also want to commend the Trump campaign for running a sharper operation this time.” He specifically praised senior advisors Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles for their effective campaign management.
Daines Declines Leadership Role
Despite the success of his leadership at the NRSC and urging from colleagues and former President Trump, Daines has announced he will not run for the position of GOP Senate leader. This decision comes as McConnell prepares to step down from his leadership role in November.
“I’m appreciative of everybody who’s asked me to consider it, but I’m not going to run for majority leader,” Steve Daines said.
Daines cited a desire to spend more time with his family and in Montana as reasons for his decision. He also expressed his intention to focus on his own re-election campaign in 2026, with plans for an official announcement next year.
There is no substitute for an independent judiciary, and the left should not be allowed to dress up its attacks as “reform.”
My op-ed in @postopinions: https://t.co/eLF468zMYC— Leader McConnell (@LeaderMcConnell) August 2, 2024
With Daines out of the running, the race for GOP Senate leader remains open. Current candidates include John Thune, John Cornyn, and Rick Scott. The Senate Republicans are set to elect their new leader on November 13, with the potential for Trump’s endorsement to play a significant role in the outcome.
