Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) has expressed interest in leading Senate Republicans’ campaign arm in 2026 following his unsuccessful presidential run last year.
Scott has been making phone calls to his Senate colleagues to discuss chairing the National Republican Senatorial Committee, according to two sources familiar with the matter. The development comes as other Senate Republicans have withdrawn their names from consideration in the face of what is expected to be a less favorable campaign cycle for the party.
A spokesman for Scott confirmed that he is pursuing the chairmanship. He has made recent campaign stops to Nevada and Wisconsin on behalf of GOP candidates and will soon travel to Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. Separately, he has raised more than six figures for 2024 Senate campaigns, while a super PAC linked to Scott plans to spend seven figures in swing states.
“The senator is grateful for the encouragement he has received from colleagues to run for chair of the NRSC. He is working tirelessly to send Donald Trump back to the White House and take the U.S. Senate, then looks forward to growing the Republican majority in 2026,” said Scott spokesman Nathan Brand.
Scott raised his stature this past year by running for the Republican nomination for president but bowed out and endorsed former President Donald Trump before the Iowa caucuses. He eventually made his way to Trump’s shortlist for vice president, but another Senate colleague, Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH), was chosen instead.
In the Senate, Scott is the top Republican on the Banking Committee.
If chosen by his colleagues in leadership elections this fall, Scott would be facing a Senate map with fewer pickup opportunities in 2026. Twenty of the 33 seats up for election are held by GOP senators.
Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO) had been considered a leading contender for the slot but declined to run, according to a top aide. Schmitt is also on a short list for attorney general in a possible second Trump administration.
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Sen. Katie Britt (R-AL) had also been approached but decided against running, a source familiar with the matter confirmed to the Washington Examiner. She is part of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell’s (R-KY) leadership team.
Other names under consideration include Sens. Ted Budd (R-NC) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN).