Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst is running for chair of the Senate Republican Conference, Politico reported Monday, after Sen. Tom Cotton announced his candidacy last week.
Cotton made the announcement Tuesday following a series of leadership changes following Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell's decision to resign in November. Mr. Ernst, who serves as the chairman of the Republican Party's policy committee, Said In an interview with Politico on Sunday, he said he decided to run for the No. 3 leadership position in the Republican Party despite encouragement from colleagues to seek higher office.
“Make no mistake, this is winnable for me. And we shouldn't be afraid of elections,” Ernst told Politico. “I've never been the establishment's chosen candidate. I've always been its outsider.” (Related: Tom Cotton throws his hat in the ring for Senate Republican Conference Chairman)
Ernst currently holds the fourth-highest ranking position in the Senate Republican leadership. Mr. Cotton is not a member of the Senate's elected leadership.
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 23: U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) heads to the Senate floor for the vote on January 23, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Samuel Corum/Getty Images)
both Ernst and cotton Ernst was first elected to the Senate in 2014. member Cotton, Member of the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee hold The same position is held by the Air and Land Power Subcommittee.
“The Republican Party wants someone who can be an independent thinker and provide a voice for reason and truth, not just be told how to vote…I'm ready to take that on,” Ernst told Politico. .
Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., who currently chairs the Senate Republican Conference, announced Tuesday that he will run for Senate Minority Whip, following speculation that he might run to succeed Mr. McConnell. Senate Minority Whip John Thune and Texas Sen. John Cornyn are running for the top leadership position.
Cotton did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Daily Caller News Foundation.
All content produced by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent, nonpartisan news distribution service, is available free of charge to legitimate news publishers with large audiences. All republished articles must include our logo, reporter byline, and DCNF affiliation. If you have any questions about our guidelines or our partnership, please contact us at licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.
