Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) has handed on a bid to run the Nationwide Republican Senatorial Committee in 2026.
Schmitt had emerged in latest weeks as a lead contender to take over for Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) atop the NRSC, however finally determined in opposition to probably taking up the position, in accordance with a high aide.
“Senator Schmitt was extremely grateful for support from all corners of the conference but is not going to seek the NRSC chairmanship next Congress,” a senior Schmitt aide informed The Hill.
The Missouri senator has a younger household, and the job is understood for being a thankless one that’s consumed with air journey and donor conferences. He’s additionally being floated as a attainable candidate to change into legal professional normal if former President Trump wins in November.
The 2026 cycle additionally just isn’t shaping as much as be a very rosy one for Republicans, as there are solely a few pick-up alternatives in Democratic seats and two of the largest races can be for seats occupied by Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.).
Of the 33 seats on the map, 20 are held by the GOP. This has made it tougher for the occasion to prod somebody to tackle the position.
“I don’t think there’s anything close to being settled on that. Sometimes we have to recruit people to do that,” mentioned Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) forward of the October recess in regards to the NRSC gig.
This can pressure Republicans again to the drafting board for the one spot on the GOP management ladder and not using a clear candidate.
Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala.), one other freshman member who had been talked about as a risk, additionally shot down a attainable run for the publish, in accordance with a supply conversant in her choice.
“Although several colleagues approached Senator Britt asking her to consider running for NRSC chair, she isn’t interested in running for NRSC chair next cycle,” the supply mentioned.
Britt is extensively thought-about a main candidate to a key a part of Republican management down the street. She is part of Senate Minority Chief Mitch McConnell’s (R-Ky.) management group.
Two names which have additionally been floated at occasions this yr are Sens. Invoice Hagerty (R-Tenn.) and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), however each are going through reelection campaigns in 2026, making it much less possible both would tackle the position.
