Cornyn raises a lot of money for Senate leader race.

Senator John Cornyn, a Republican from Texas, has recently achieved a fundraising milestone as he prepares for the upcoming Senate Republican leader election. Cornyn, who is hoping to succeed the current top fundraiser and Minority Leader, Mitch McConnell from Kentucky, closed his highest-raising quarter in history with his joint fundraising committee, the Cornyn Victory Committee (CVC). According to a source familiar with the Texas senator’s political operation, CVC brought in an impressive $3.5 million in the second quarter of 2024.

This accomplishment brings Cornyn’s total fundraising for the 2024 election cycle to almost $23 million. This total includes the funds raised through his CVC, contributions to the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), money raised for candidates across Texas, as well as the amount amassed for national Republican candidates. Cornyn has been the top Senate fundraiser in the conference, following McConnell, since 2009.

In 2021, he established the Cornyn Victory Committee to assist Republicans in the 2022 midterm elections. His efforts during that cycle resulted in a total of $20 million, outperforming almost every other Senate Republican, besides McConnell and NRSC Chairman Rick Scott from Florida, who is also competing for the leadership position.

Earlier this year, McConnell, aged 82, announced his decision to step down as the GOP leader in November. Having served as the Republican leader since 2007, McConnell holds the record for being the longest-serving Senate leader of either party in American history. With his reputation for extraordinary fundraising capabilities, McConnell has been instrumental in supporting down-ballot Republicans as the party aims to strengthen its presence in Congress.

With McConnell and his associated fundraising entities raising approximately $400 million in the 2022 cycle, the next leader will face the challenge of meeting the high expectations set by him. Aside from Cornyn, the announced candidates for Republican leader include Senate Minority Whip John Thune from South Dakota and Rick Scott. However, there is speculation among Republicans that more candidates may enter the race following the general election in November.

As he sets his sights on the leadership position, Senator Cornyn has significantly increased his fundraising efforts. His impressive achievement in the second quarter of 2024 showcases his dedication to supporting the Republican Party and its candidates. With the Senate Republican leader election drawing near, all eyes are on the contenders vying to fill the formidable shoes left by Senator McConnell.