Senator Rick Scott (R-Fla.) is considered a longshot in the race to succeed Senator Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) as the leader of the Senate GOP. However, Scott emphasizes a key advantage that sets him apart from his competitors: a strong personal relationship with former President Donald Trump.
Political observers note that Scott’s prospects for securing the GOP leadership role significantly depend on Trump’s performance in the upcoming presidential election. If Trump wins a second term, Scott could use his close ties to the president as a persuasive point with his Senate colleagues.
“I have known President Trump since before either of us entered politics,” Scott mentioned in a recent letter to GOP colleagues. Last week, he traveled to New York to support Trump during his hush-money trial, becoming the first Republican member of Congress to do so. Scott also spoke with Trump directly before announcing his bid for the leadership position.
In an interview with Fox News, Scott said Trump expressed enthusiasm about his leadership campaign. “We need significant change. I discussed this with Trump today, and he’s excited about my entry into the race,” Scott said. “We aim to transform the Senate and support Trump in advancing his conservative agenda.”
Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), one of Trump’s close allies in the Senate, highlighted Trump’s frequent interactions with Scott due to their shared base in Florida. Tuberville also noted that Susie Wiles, a senior adviser in Trump’s campaign, previously worked with Scott during his time as Florida’s governor.
Despite these connections, Tuberville doubts Trump will directly intervene in the leadership race. “I don’t think the president will take a side,” Tuberville stated, pointing out that Trump has also been in contact with Scott’s competitors, Senators John Thune (R-S.D.) and John Cornyn (R-Texas).
Both Thune and Cornyn have histories of collaboration with Trump, though they have occasionally opposed his more controversial statements and questioned his appeal to independent voters. Scott, in contrast, has shown steadfast loyalty to Trump since joining the Senate in 2019, even presenting Trump with a “Champion of Freedom” award from the National Republican Senatorial Committee in 2021.
Thune and Cornyn, aware of Scott’s ambitions, have also reached out to Trump. They emphasize their records of supporting Trump’s initiatives, with Cornyn highlighting his role in passing the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and confirming Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh, and Thune noting his work on COVID-19 relief and the confirmation of Justice Amy Coney Barrett.
Thune minimized the potential impact of Trump’s support for Scott, stating, “It’s an open race, and anyone who wants to run is entitled to do so.” He emphasized that the decision rests with the 49 Republican senators, who will choose based on who they believe will best lead the conference.
Cornyn also downplayed Scott’s advantage with Trump, suggesting that leadership races are heavily influenced by trust and relationships within the Senate. He pledged to work closely with Trump if he returns to the White House, reflecting a broader desire among Republican senators for unity after years of tension between Trump and McConnell.
In conclusion, while Trump’s endorsement might not be the deciding factor, his relationship with the prospective GOP leader could influence some Republican senators’ votes, especially newer members aligned with the MAGA movement. Tuberville stressed the importance of unity and cooperation with Trump for the GOP’s future success, emphasizing the need for close collaboration with the president, regardless of who the leader is.