Only two of the so-called “three Johns” will be competing to replace Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) as leader of the Senate GOP.
Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY) revealed on Tuesday that he would not join Sens. John Cornyn (R-TX) and John Thune (R-SD) in the race for the top position, and instead will vie for Republican whip, the No. 2 spot.
“I have had time to reflect on how I might best serve the Republican Conference and our country,” Barrasso said in a statement. “After a lot of thought, I will ask my colleagues for their support and help to work for them as the Assistant Republican Leader.”
Barrasso, an orthopedic surgeon-turned-lawmaker, has served in the upper chamber since 2007. He is currently the No. 3 Republican in the Senate, serving as chairman of the Senate Republican Conference.
If he were to take on the role of Republican whip, which is currently held by Thune,…
