Republicans calls for new GOP leadership to replace Mitch McConnell 

Incumbent Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MI), and Missouri Senate hopeful Eric Schmitt both came out on Monday, calling for new GOP leadership.

Both Hawley and Schmitt said they wouldn’t support Kentucky Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell for another term.

McConnell, 80, has been the Republican leader of the Senate for nearly 15 years, both as majority and minority leader. While McConnell previously said that he would run again, his plans may change amid his loss of support.

During Schmitt’s rally in Springfield, Missouri, Hawley told reporters that McConnell has failed to stand up to Democrats, particularly when it comes to spending.

“I don’t imagine I will, no,” Hawley reportedly said when asked if he would support McConnell, according to Fox News. “I’m not sure if any other senator will run or not. Nobody’s indicated they would. But my view is that we need new leadership in that position.”

When pressed by St. Louis Public Radio’s Jason Rosenbaum who the next GOP leader should be, Hawley replied by saying, “not Mitch McConnell.” 

Near the end of the Republican Senate primary in July, Schmitt told reporters he wants either Senator Ted Cruz of Texas or Senator Mike Lee of Utah to take the leadership reigns, before going onto say that “Mitch McConnell hasn’t endorsed me and I don’t endorse him for leadership.”

On Monday, Schmitt reiterated his previous comments, saying: “I said what I said, and I stand by those comments.”  

Fox reported that Rick Scott (R-FL) has also refused to support McConnell, and at the same time has not ruled out the possibility of replacing McConnell himself.

“I’m not focused on anything except getting a majority Tuesday night,” Scott said during a Sunday interview on NBC News’ “Meet the Press.”

Donald Trump said in a radio interview last week that he also wants McConnell to be removed as leader.

“This guy does not deserve to continue to be leader and hopefully somebody’s going to challenge him. But I’ll tell you, if I run, and if I win, he will not be leader.”