Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) will step down in November, paving the way for a new leadership race to kick off with former President Donald Trump’s influence looming large as the likely Republican nominee.

Once allies, McConnell and Trump’s relationship soured after the former president refused to accept the results of the 2020 election. The longest-serving leader in Senate history is expected to have a say in who replaces him as leader, but Trump’s influence could sway the decision. Recently, Trump’s support has played heavily in intraparty politics. Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) was ousted from the role in October 2023 by staunch supporters of Trump, and Rep. Mike Johnson (R-AL), a Trump ally, was chosen as his replacement.