As votes continue to be counted in close House races, the Republican Party inched closer to holding a majority come January.
On Wednesday, Senate Republicans – still the minority party – will decide whether to elect their campaign chairman, Sen. Rick Scott of Florida, over their longtime leader, Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky.
All of this is happening in the context of former President Donald Trump: He announced Tuesday night he would make a third bid for the White House, despite mounting criticism from Republicans about being a drag on the ticket.
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Here are the latest updates:
Mitch McConnell 'welcomes' challenge from Rick Scott
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-K.Y., welcomed the competition for his leadership post from Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla, telling reporters during the Senate GOP news conference Tuesday, “Anybody in the conference is certainly entitled to challenge me, and I welcome the contest."
McConnell said he is confident he has the votes to keep his job, a role he’s held since 2007. "I’ll be elected,” he added.
- Sarah Elbeshbishi, Rachel Looker, Ledyard King
Rick Scott challenges Mitch McConnell for GOP leadership
Florida Sen. Rick Scott announced Tuesday that he will challenge Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell for the top Republican leadership spot in a letter to his colleagues, calling for a change in leadership. A leadership vote is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Wednesday.
“I believe it’s time for the Senate Republican Conference to be far more bold and resolute than we have been in the past,” the letter said. “There is a Republican Party that is alive and well in communities across America. It is time there is one in Washington, D.C. too. That is why I am running to be Republican Leader.”
Indiana Sen. Mike Braun tweeted support for Scott on Tuesday. "I ran for Senate because we need OUTSIDERS to take on the D.C. swamp and get RESULTS," he wrote. "Hoosier conservative Republicans are sick and tired of the status quo."
- Sarah Elbeshbishi, Rachel Looker, Ledyard King
Previously:House Republicans select McCarthy as GOP leader, Scott takes on McConnell to lead Senate GOP
Kevin McCarthy to remain GOP House leader, clearing way for speakership
With some races still to be called, as of Tuesday night Republicans are one seat away from taking back the House. A win would put McCarthy in position to run the chamber starting in January. The official vote for speaker won't take place until Jan. 3 when lawmakers are sworn in. If McCarthy is chosen by the full House, he will replace Democrat Nancy Pelosi.
– Candy Woodall, Sarah Elbeshbishi
Some opposition to McCarthy remains
Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla, said Tuesday he would oppose McCarthy's bid for speaker no matter what, telling reporters that there is a "critical mass" of Republicans who oppose McCarthy.
"Kevin McCarthy couldn't get 218," Gaetz said, referring to the majority of the 435-seat chamber. "He couldn't get 200 votes. He couldn't get 190 votes today. So, to believe Kevin McCarthy is going to be speaker you have to believe he's going to get votes in the next six weeks that he couldn't get in the last six years."
– Candy Woodall, Sarah Elbeshbishi
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