Republican Party news covering policy positions, leadership, congressional Republicans, state parties, and political strategy and campaign developments.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio denied reports that he is planning to leave the White House, stating remaining has always been his plan. GOP sources and UK government figures view him as a leading candidate to succeed Trump, though he has not confirmed any exit plans.
House Oversight Chair James Comer acknowledged significant Republican concerns regarding Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's strategy but declined to support impeachment efforts. Meanwhile, Hegseth dismissed the calls as political theater and requested $350 billion in military funding.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is preparing to seek the 2028 GOP presidential nomination, reportedly learning from his 2024 campaign that he needs more media appearances and cannot delay entering the race. Longtime donor Dan Eberhart stated recent Republican midterm successes in Florida provide DeSantis with significant credibility for a new bid.
Senate candidate John Sununu and VP JD Vance cited Trump's handling of the Iran conflict as key factors in Republican midterm losses. Sununu lost his New Hampshire race by 13 points, while Trump blamed GOP candidates on Truth Social, claiming he would have won a landslide.
Senator Ron Johnson secured five GOP signatures to request a delay in the Senate Republican leadership election, citing recent electoral losses where Democrats flipped seven seats. Sen. Mike Lee supported the delay, but Majority Leader John Thune remains unopposed for his position despite the push for a conference-wide meeting to discuss pending races.
President Trump formally backed RNC Chair Joe Gruters's reelection bid following Republican losses in Tuesday's midterm elections. Trump praised Gruters on Truth Social as "100 percent America First," citing his record in Florida and role in securing the 2024 presidential election victory.
Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani warned that Vice President JD Vance poses a danger if he becomes president, citing inflexibility in his thinking during a Thursday livestream. Giuliani challenged Vance's assertion that the Iran war cost Republicans the midterms, asserting the economy was the primary voter concern.
Former Speaker Newt Gingrich stated that the Republican defeat in Tuesday's midterm elections reduces JD Vance's appeal for a 2028 presidential bid. Analysts agree Vance faces significant headwinds due to his association with Trump, while Marco Rubio and Ron DeSantis emerge as stronger contenders for the nomination.
Utah Republican Sen. John Curtis blamed his party's midterm losses on support for the Iran war, debt spending, and tariffs. He argued voters rejected hastily planned wars and unpredictable trade policies, despite having voted for Trump's recent bill that increased the national debt limit.
Erika Kirk urged Republicans to "get back to work" and avoid infighting after the party lost control of Congress in the midterms. Voters delivered a rebuke to President Donald Trump, citing concerns over the Iran war and inflation as key factors, while Democrats gained seven Senate seats and 30 House seats.