Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) has handed on a bid to run the Nationwide Republican Senatorial Committee in 2026.
Schmitt had emerged in current weeks as a lead contender to take over for Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) atop the NRSC, however in the end determined towards probably taking up the position, in accordance with a high aide.
“Senator Schmitt was extremely grateful for support from all corners of the conference but is not going to seek the NRSC chairmanship next Congress,” a senior Schmitt aide instructed The Hill.
The Missouri senator has a younger household, and the job is thought for being a thankless one that’s consumed with air journey and donor conferences. He’s additionally being floated as a attainable candidate to turn into lawyer normal if former President Trump wins in November.
The 2026 cycle additionally just isn’t shaping as much as be a very rosy one for Republicans, as there are solely a few pick-up alternatives in Democratic seats and two of the largest races will likely be for seats occupied by Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.).
Of the 33 seats on the map, 20 are held by the GOP. This has made it tougher for the celebration to prod somebody to tackle the position.
“I don’t think there’s anything close to being settled on that. Sometimes we have to recruit people to do that,” stated Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) forward of the October recess concerning the NRSC gig.
It will pressure Republicans again to the drafting board for the one spot on the GOP management ladder with no clear candidate.
Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala.), one other freshman member who had been talked about as a chance, additionally shot down a attainable run for the submit, in accordance with a supply acquainted with her determination.
“Although several colleagues approached Senator Britt asking her to consider running for NRSC chair, she isn’t interested in running for NRSC chair next cycle,” the supply stated.
Britt is broadly thought-about a chief candidate to a key a part of Republican management down the highway. She is part of Senate Minority Chief Mitch McConnell’s (R-Ky.) management workforce.
Two names which have additionally been floated at occasions this yr are Sens. Invoice Hagerty (R-Tenn.) and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), however each are going through reelection campaigns in 2026, making it much less seemingly both would tackle the position.
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