Cornyn gets big boost in race to replace McConnell with fundraising abilities front and center – Washington Examiner

Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) could have a leg up in the race to replace Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) later this year after senators claimed that fundraising prowess could play a crucial role in their decision.

Cornyn, who is considered the second-best fundraiser in the Senate after McConnell, comes from a large fundraising state and has already donated and raised millions of dollars for Republican senators this year. Cornyn is running against Sen. John Thune (R-SD) for the role.

FILE – Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) speaks to reporters on Feb. 28, 2024, shortly before Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced he will step down as Senate Republican leader in November, at the Capitol in Washington. Cornyn has informed his colleagues that he intends to run for Senate Republican leader. He’s the first senator to announce a campaign. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)

“It’s important that you have a leader who has the ability to go out and raise money to help members get reelected,” Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) told the Hill. “Some of that comes from the fact that you’re in that position and some of it comes from the fact that it’s something you’re good at and enjoy doing.”

Rubio added that both men are excellent fundraisers though, and that fundraising is not the only thing that he will be voting on.

Cornyn has raised more than $14 million for Republican incumbents, Senate Republican nominees, and the National Republican Senatorial Committee in the 2024 election cycle so far, a source familiar with Cornyn’s political operation told the Hill.

He also raised more than $20 million in the last election cycle, which is more than anyone besides McConnell and then-NRSC Chairman Rick Scott (R-FL).

Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) agreed that Cornyn is the bigger fundraiser, and that it will play an important role in deciding who he votes for. But Tillis also admitted there is no clear front-runner in the race, which is expected to be close.

“It will be a factor, but I think John Thune has also done a lot over the years with the [National Republican Senatorial Committee],” Tillis said.

Thune, who is currently Senate minority whip, has been stepping up his fundraising since McConnell suffered a concussion and fractured a rib last year. He has raised $8 million for the NRSC this cycle, which is second only to current committee Chairman Steve Daines (R-MT). He has also raised $3.5 million for candidates through his joint fundraising committee “2024 Republican Senate Victory.”

Sen. John Thune (R-SD) talks after a policy luncheon on Capitol Hill, Wednesday, March 6, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib)

Fellow South Dakota Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD) said he was backing Thune, but also praised Cornyn.

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“John Cornyn is a great member, and he was a very good whip,” Rounds said. “Whoever becomes the next leader will inherit the title and also the responsibility for a lot of fundraising, and I think John Thune can more than match anyone in the Senate on that.”

McConnell has raised more than $1.6 billion for Senate Republicans through two outside groups called the Senate Leadership Fund and One Nation since 2015.