John Thune, the second-ranking Republican in the Senate, announces he’s running for re-election:
— John Thune (@johnthune) January 8, 2022
Thune, age 61, is seen as potential successor to 79-year-old Mitch McConnell. “John is the logical successor should Mitch decide to not run again for leader,” Senator Susan Collins of Maine recently told the New York Times. Thune himself told Punchbowl News that the hope of becoming Senate leader is “obviously a factor in considering whether to take another run,” adding, “It’s something I’m interested in.”
Another potential successor to McConnell is John Cornyn of Texas, who turns 70 next month. McConnell’s current Senate term ends in January 2027.