Scott says he’s ‘optimistic’ after losing Senate leader bid to Thune

By Jack Birle

Published November 13, 2024 3:44pm ET

Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) is optimistic about the Senate GOP despite losing a bid to lead the conference on Wednesday.

Sen. John Thune (R-SD) won the secret ballot race to lead the Senate GOP over Scott and Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) after two rounds. Thune defeated Cornyn 29-24 in the second round of voting. Scott, who was eliminated in the first round, said after the vote he wanted the position to “upend the status quo.”