Tim Scott launches bid for NRSC chairman as GOP seeks to cash in on new minority benefits
FIRST ON FOX: Sen. Tim Scott, RS.C., is running to lead the Senate Republican campaign in the next election cycle, sharing an announcement exclusively with Fox News Digital.
On Friday, Scott launched his bid to lead the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) in the 2026 midterm cycle, after speculation last month that he planned to do so.
“Let’s do this! I’m running for NRSC Chair because two years of the Republican agenda is great, but four years of success under Donald J. Trump is even better,” he told Fox News Digital in a statement.
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Scott hopes to lead Republicans into the next Senate election cycle. (Reuters)
“That means every four years of his presidency will create lower inflation, secure borders and safer roads, leading to a generation of American prosperity! With Donald J. Trump in the White House and Republicans leading the US Senate, we will protect our majority in 2026 and create opportunity for all people Americans.”
The South Carolina senator ran for president in the 2024 Republican primary before stepping down and endorsing Trump. He was also considered a candidate for Trump’s presidential election before Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio.
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Former President Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, arrives to speak during an election night event at the Palm Beach Convention Center Nov. 6, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Fla. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Scott also issued three high-level recommendations to accompany his campaign announcement.
Current NRSC Chairman Steve Daines, R-Mont., who recently successfully led the campaign arm in helping Republicans win back the majority, endorsed Scott.
“We won back the US Senate in 2024, and there is no one I have more confidence in to secure the majority in 2026 than Tim Scott,” Daines said in a statement.
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Sen. Tim Scott spoke at the South Carolina GOP delegation’s breakfast on Wednesday (Getty Images)
The South Carolina Republican was also welcomed by Senate Republican Conference Chairman John Barrasso, R-Wyo.
“Tim’s inspiring message, fundraising record and team vision make him the perfect partner for President Trump,” Barrasso said. “Together, they will protect and grow the Republican majority. No one better than Tim Scott.”
“Protecting the majority and growing the team starts with vision and resources to compete anywhere. That’s why I hope that Tim leads the NRSC in 2026,” said Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., in his statement. supporting Scott.
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Fewer voters switched to Trump in 2024. (Stock)
The election will be held on November 13 and will be decided by secret ballot along with other Senate GOP leadership races.
Scott’s bid for the NRSC’s top job comes after the Republican Party and Trump saw big gains across the country for minorities in the 2024 election.
As one of only four Black members of the 118th Congress and the only Black Republican senator, Scott has made various efforts to reach out to minority voters on behalf of the GOP.
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In the past three months, he has held a black financial education event in North Carolina, an event on Black Opportunity Zones in Wisconsin, a black teacher event in Michigan and school choice events in Wisconsin, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Chicago.
He also joined fellow Black Republican representatives Burgess Owens, R-Utah; Byron Donalds, R-Fla.; John James, R-Mich.; and Wesley Hunt, R-Texas, earlier this year to launch a weekly video series dedicated to the voices of Black members of the GOP. The series was called “America’s First Five.”
Get the latest updates from the 2024 campaign, exclusive interviews and more on our Fox News Digital election site
