Following Senator Mitch McConnell's (R-KY) somewhat surprise announcement Wednesday that he would be stepping down from his leadership role in November, the focus quickly became the obvious: Who would replace him as Minority (or, if all goes well for Republicans in the general election) Majority Leader? 

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Mitch McConnell to Step Down As Senate GOP Leader

Mitch McConnell Leaves Behind One Remarkable Legacy

There's been some interesting speculation on that front, including the suggestion by Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. that McConnell's replacement be his fellow Kentucky Senator, Rand Paul. 

Mitch McConnell, who has served in the Senate for almost 40 years, announced he'll step down this November.

Part of public service is about knowing when to usher in a new generation. It’s time to promote leaders in Washington, DC who won’t kowtow to the military contractors or…

— Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) February 28, 2024

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But now, one senator whose name has been part of the conversation has made it official: John Cornyn (R-TX) announced Thursday he is running to replace McConnell as Minority Leader. 

Cornyn officially announces he will run for Senate GOP Leader

— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) February 29, 2024

In announcing his bid, Cornyn touted his experience and expressed his concerns over the functioning of the Senate.

“I am asking my Republican colleagues to give me the opportunity to succeed Leader McConnell,” Cornyn said in a statement. “Throughout my time I’ve built a track record of listening to colleagues and seeking consensus, while leading the fight to stop bad policies that are harmful to our nation and the conservative cause.”

Cornyn pointed to his work in leadership as whip and atop the Senate GOP campaign arm, as well as his recent stretch outside of leadership.

The Texas Republican added that the Senate is “broken” and that he could play a “major role” in putting it back together. 

“From experience, I have learned what works in the Senate and what does not, and I am confident Senate Republicans can restore our institution to the essential role it serves in our constitutional republic,” he said. “We will improve communication, increase transparency, and ensure inclusion of every Member’s expertise and opinion. We will restore the important role of Senate committees and reestablish the regular appropriations process, rather than lurch from one crisis to another.”

Cornyn, of course, is not the only one well-positioned to vie for the position. Two other "Johns" have their names in the mix.

Republicans, for the most part, are looking at the trio of Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), John Cornyn (R-Texas) and John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) as the leading contenders to take over for the longtime Republican leader, with a possible conservative challenger mixed in.

There's also been mention of Rick Scott (R-FL), who previously challenged McConnell for the role unsuccessfully. Given that McConnell has served in that leadership role (either as Majority or Minority Leader) since 2007, this will be the first open contest for the position in 18 years, so should prove interesting to watch.