In the wake of Mitch McConnell’s announcement that he plans to step down as Senate Republican leader in November, discussion about a potential replacement has been growing. Many Republicans express satisfaction that McConnell is departing and advocate for a staunchly conservative, America First candidate to take his place.

Many GOP voters have voiced their disapproval of McConnell, labeling him a RINO and accusing him of aiding the Democratic agenda. Critics frequently call for a more conservative candidate to replace him. Often, people call for someone who aligns with former President Trump's policies and has not been in Congress for decades.

Some of the most frequently mentioned candidates include John Cornyn who has a positive reputation. But many voters in the discussion are strongly opposed to this idea, characterizing him as another RINO. Other names being floated are Josh Hawley, JD Vance, and Rand Paul. Vance and Paul are particularly favored by participants who want to see a break from the establishment and a shift towards more conservative, America First policies.

Other names being mentioned include Rick Scott, Tom Cotton, John Thune, John Barrasso, Steve Daines, Ted Cruz, and Ron Johnson.

There's also a concern expressed about the potential for Kentucky's Democratic Governor, Andy Beshear, to appoint a liberal to McConnell's Senate seat. This worry dovetails with a more general fear that McConnell's departure might lead to the appointment of another establishment Republican rather than a more right-leaning figure.

Overall, the discussion shows a desire for change within the GOP, with many people hoping for a shift away from established figures and towards candidates who more strongly align with Trump's policies.

Rand Paul

Rand Paul is known for his libertarian views and fiscal conservatism, which is attractive to some constituents.

Positives and Negatives

He often advocates for smaller government and individual liberties. His stance on immigration is traditionally conservative, advocating for secure borders. However, his sometimes controversial stances and combative style can be off-putting to others.

• Rand Paul’s approval has fluctuated in the last week, sitting at 51% yesterday.
• Discussion volume also increased in the last couple of days, reaching 255 yesterday.

John Cornyn

The Texas senator is highly respected within his party and is known for his ability to work across the aisle.

Positives and Negatives

He is known for his conservative stances, particularly on issues like immigration and border security due to his state's proximity to the Mexico border. However, he may not be as well-known nationally as some of the other contenders.

• John Cornyn’s approval has dropped slightly in the last week, sitting at 49% yesterday.
• Discussion volume increased however, reaching 245 yesterday.

J.D. Vance

Vance is a junior United States senator from Ohio and an author and venture capitalist.

Positives and Negatives

He’s known as the author of "Hillbilly Elegy" and has gained significant attention for his commentary on the working class in America. People like his focus on working-class issues. However, his lack of political experience could be a disadvantage.

• J.D. Vance’s approval has risen in the last week, sitting at 49% yesterday.
• Discussion volume is down however, dropping to 178 yesterday.

Josh Hawley

The Missouri senator is a rising star in the Republican party and is known for his populist rhetoric.

Positives and Negatives

He’s known as one of the younger members of the Senate and is seen as a rising star in the Republican Party. People like his populist stances and criticism of big tech companies. However, his involvement questioning the 2020 election has been controversial.

• Josh Hawley’s approval has dropped slightly in the last week, sitting at 44% yesterday.
• Discussion volume increased however, reaching 940 yesterday.

Rick Scott

As the senator from Florida and the former governor of the state, Rick Scott has a strong political background.

Positives and Negatives

He’s known for his conservative political stances. He is strongly against illegal immigration and supports border security measures. However, his tenure as governor was marked by controversy and scandals, which could impact his chances.

• Rick Scott’s approval has risen in the last week, sitting at 47% yesterday.
• Discussion volume is up, reaching 282 yesterday.

Tom Cotton

The Arkansas senator is considered a rising star in the Republican party, with a strong record on national security and defense.

Positives and Negatives

He’s known for his hawkish foreign policy stances and conservative views on immigration, advocating for restrictions and enhanced border security. However, his hardline stances on immigration and other issues could potentially alienate moderate voters.

• Tom Cotton’s approval has fluctuated in the last week, sitting at 45% yesterday.
• Discussion volume is slightly down, hitting 111 yesterday.

John Thune

As the current Senate Majority Whip, Thune has a strong leadership background.

Positives and Negatives

He is generally well-liked within his party and is valued for his conservative stances. But some see him as too moderate and not aggressive enough in challenging Democrats.

• John Thune’s approval has increased in the last few days, sitting at 51% yesterday.
• Discussion volume is low but increasing, reaching 45 yesterday.

John Barrasso

The Wyoming senator is a strong conservative with a focus on energy and environmental issues.

Positives and Negatives

He is known for his focus on energy and environmental policy, often opposing regulations seen as harmful to his state's fossil fuel industry. However, his low profile could be a disadvantage in a leadership race.

• John Barrasso’s approval has increased in the last few days, sitting at 52% yesterday.
• Discussion volume is low but increasing, reaching 107 yesterday.

Steve Daines

The Montana senator is known for his business background and has been a strong supporter of President Trump.

Positives and Negatives

He’s known for advocating for limited government and tax cuts. However, his lack of seniority in the Senate could be a disadvantage since the last NRSC chairman who went on to be Majority Leader was Bill Frist in 2003.

• Steve Daines’s approval has dipped in the last few days, sitting at 48% yesterday.
• Discussion volume was low at 45 yesterday.

Ted Cruz

Cruz, as Senator and former presidential candidate name recognition, has a passionate base of support.

Positives and Negatives

He's known for his involvement in the Tea Party movement and seen as a conservative firebrand. People like his strong advocacy for border security. However, his combative style and involvement in efforts to question the 2020 election could be a liability.

• Ted Cruz’s approval is fairly steady, but ticked up slightly to 48% yesterday.
• Discussion volume is among the highest at 974 yesterday.

Ron Johnson

The Wisconsin senator is known for his business background and fiscal conservatism.

Positives and Negatives

He’s known for his strong conservative views, particularly on fiscal issues. However, his controversial statements and hard-right stances could hurt his chances.

• Ron Johnson’s approval has fluctuated, hitting 49% yesterday.
• Discussion volume is is relatively low at 80 yesterday.