Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., has decided against making a run to replace outgoing Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and will instead vie to become the new GOP whip, multiple outlets reported Tuesday.
Punchbowl News first reported Barrasso's decision. Politico reported that Barrasso, currently the No. 3 Republican in the Senate, is informing colleagues of his decision.
Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., announced Monday that he's pitching a run at succeeding McConnell, joining Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, who threw his hat in the ring last week, the day after McConnell announced this would be his last term as Republican leader in the Senate.
Barrasso, according to the reports, is a shoo-in for GOP whip, the No. 2 Republican post in the upper chamber, because both Thune and Cornyn are termed out of the role. Whip also comes with a security detail and better office, according to Politico.
Barrasso is term-limited out of his role as conference chair. Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., said during an interview Tuesday that he's planning a bid to succeed Barrasso. Republican Policy Committee Chair Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, currently the No. 4 Senate Republican, has not yet signaled whether she'll pursue another post or stay put, according to Politico.
Barrasso's decision against replacing McConnell could open the door for another conservative contender to enter the mix against Cornyn and Thune. Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., has been urged by former President Donald Trump to make a run, according to reports. Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., met with Trump on Monday amid speculation he could mount a challenge for the top post.
Scott's Trump-backed bid to supplant McConnell in 2022 resulted in a 37-10 loss.
For his part, Trump last week said there are "a lot of good choices" to succeed McConnell.
Senate Republicans will vote on a new leader in November, with the successor taking over for McConnell in January, 2025. McConnell has said he plans to stay on as a rank-and-file Republican until his term ends in 2026.