What Happens to Mitch McConnell if the Senate Flips?
As of 2021, the current United States Senate majority leader, Mitch McConnell, is at risk of losing his position if Republicans fail to maintain the majority in the coming elections in 2022. Following the momentous changes likely to take place in the Senate after the mid-term elections, the state of McConnell’s political career is heavily under question.
The results of the 2022 Senate elections will ultimately decide whether Mitch McConnell will keep his prized job as the Leader of the Senate. So, what could potentially happen to him if the Senate flips and how would this seismic shift alter his career in politics? Let’s take a look.
McConnell’s Current Role
Mitch McConnell has been the Senate Majority Leader since 2015 and the Republican Leader of the Senate since 2007. In the Senate, McConnell has served Kentucky, first winning his seat in the 1984 elections. He has since been elected for his seventh multi-year term in 2020.
The duties of the Senate Majority Leader include setting up the procedure for the Senate, obtaining unanimous consent agreements, and allowing time extensions on voting. As the leader of the majority, McConnell will select which bills are discussed and when they are debated.
Senate Majority Leader
The office of the Senate majority leader is the highest political position that McConnell holds. This office is being held by the Republican party, and should the Democrats take the majority, McConnell’s role as the Senate majority leader will be immediately removed.
It has been reported that whether Democrats take the majority or not in the 2020 elections, Mitch McConnell will not be the Majority Leader of the United States Senate. This role is reserved for the leader of the majority political party in the Senate, with either president-elect Joe Biden’s party (Democrats) or incumbent president Donald Trump’s party (Republican) controlling the Senate.
Political Career
The Senate Majority Leader’s position is a central political fulcrum in any administration. However, with that position set to be relinquished regardless, McConnell’s political career does not necessarily have to be affected. Should he be voted for another 6-year term in the Senate, he could remain active and influential in the political spectrum.
For instance, he could stay on in his Senate seat and become the Minority Leader of the Senate. In this current scenario, the Minority Leader is the leader of the party that does not control the majority of the Senate. In this capacity, McConnell would still be able to pressure Senate legislation and steer it towards the Republican agenda. On the other hand, he is also free to take a step back from the political sphere altogether, and focus on his flourishing law career.
Factors to Consider
There is still much to be known and determined about what exactly will happen to Mitch McConnell should the Senate flips to a Democratic majority. However, there are some factors that have to be taken into consideration when assessing the potential shift of McConnell’s political career.
Age
At 78 years old, McConnell has been serving in the Senate for nearly four decades. He might not have the same energy or enthusiasm needed to sustain another term in the Senate, should he win the mid-term elections in 2022. His old age may prove to be a major factor when it comes to running for another 6-year term in the Senate.
Popularity
Since joining the Senate, McConnell has never won a popular vote with more than 55%. The decline in McConnell’s numbers could impact the already heavily voted against president Donald Trump, and reduce Republican representation in the Senate, ultimately leading to a Democratic majority.
Voters
The upswing in voter registration and turnout in the 2020 election may be indicative of a trend to come in the mid-term elections. This increase could potentially result in more Democrats taking office than predicted in 2022.
Senate Rules
The Senate Majority Leader is heavily dependent upon the rules and regulations of the Senate. If a new majority is elected and a new leader is chosen, moves could potentially be made to largely restrict the abilities of the Minority Leader, McConnell.
Outlook
It is safe to say that the future of Mitch McConnell’s political career is heavily depends on the outcome of the 2022 elections. All factors considered, should the Democrats take the majority in the Senate, Mitch McConnell will likely no longer be in a position of power or importantly, the Majority Leader of the Senate.
However, McConnell’s career in politics is far from over; he is still eligible to run for an eighth term in the Senate. If he wins, he will remain in the Senate and become the Minority Leader. In this capacity, he will still be able to influence new legislation and steer political discourse to his Republican agenda.
