OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Sen. Ted Cruz has made it clear that he believes that Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) should no longer be the GOP leader in the upper chamber, but he’s not making any demands of the aged leader regarding a potential reelection bid.
The Texas Republican is running for a third term in November, but he told Fox News host Maria Bartiromo on Sunday that McConnell’s decision to run again is up to him, though he should be mindful of the “bad blood” between him and Donald Trump, who is on a glide path to become the Republican presidential nominee again.
“That’s a decision for Mitch to make. Obviously, there’s a lot of bad blood between Mitch McConnell and Donald Trump. Mitch will have to make that decision. What I want to see is that Republicans in the Senate stand, lead, and fight,” Cruz said.
The Washington Examiner added:
McConnell’s leadership and age have become topics of concern in recent years within the Senate GOP, as he faced a leadership challenge after the disastrous 2022 elections and several Senate Republicans called out McConnell and Senate leadership over the border deal — which collapsed earlier this month. McConnell is up for reelection to his Senate seat in 2026.
Cruz also predicted Republicans would have a good election in November, with Trump leading the GOP ticket.
“I believe November is going to be a very good election and I think we’re going to see Donald Trump re-elected as president of the United States,” Cruz said.
“I think we will see Republicans keep and grow our majority in the House and we’re going to win the Senate,” Cruz added.
“Now, I will say my race here in Texas is a battleground race. The Democrats are spending over $100 million. Chuck Schumer has made it clear that I’m his No. 1 target. George Soros is pouring millions of dollars into the state of Texas,” he added.
WATCH:
Earlier this month, Cruz took the highly unusual step of using a public forum on Tuesday to call for his Senate leader to step aside after he and other GOP leaders initially agreed to a “bipartisan” border bill that still allowed millions of migrants into the country illegally each year.
During a press conference, the Texas Republican was asked if he believes it is time for McConnell to step down after the deal collapsed amid pressure from conservatives and GOP constituents who complained that the bill did more to secure Ukraine and other foreign nations than it did the U.S. border.
“I think it is,” Cruz responded as he pointed out that all the GOP senators standing with him wanted McConnell to step aside. “I think a Republican leader should lead this conference and should advance the priorities of Republicans.”
Sens. Rick Scott, Mike Lee, Ron Johnson, JD Vance, Roger Marshall, and Eric Schmitt joined Cruz.
Senator Mitch McConnell responded to Cruz’s comments, saying, “I think we agree that Cruz isn’t a fan.”
Cruz’s remarks came after Republican senators were overheard engaging in loud conversations behind closed doors.
Reports suggested lawmakers debated funding for the border and aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan.
