News: Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) is backing Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) in the race to succeed Mitch McConnell as Senate GOP leader.
It’s the first public endorsement for Cornyn, who’s running against Senate Minority Whip John Thune and Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.). And it comes from someone who’s part of a crucial voting bloc in the leadership race. Hawley was just reelected on Tuesday.
In a statement shared first with Punchbowl News, Hawley said “nobody has done more” to help Republicans take back the majority than Cornyn, noting the Texas Republican’s fundraising efforts.
Hawley also cited Cornyn’s support for reauthorizing a radiation exposure compensation program that lapsed earlier this year. This has been a big focus for Hawley.
“[Cornyn] has voiced his support for the RECA compromise that would fairly compensate hundreds of thousands of Americans poisoned by their government, including so many in Missouri,” Hawley said.
Cornyn, Hawley added, will “work closely and effectively with President Trump to deliver on the promise of our new majority.”
Hawley has been among the most critical of McConnell’s leadership, so it’s notable that he’s backing Cornyn, a close McConnell lieutenant.
Cornyn has been conducting his leadership bid mostly behind the scenes. Cornyn has centered his pitch on his ability to lead Republicans through next year’s tax fight, as well as his fundraising strength.
