Tim Scott mulls run to lead Senate Republicans' campaign arm

Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) is seriously considering making a run to become chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) in 2026, sources told The Hill. 

Two Senate GOP sources told The Hill that Scott started making calls to senators over the weekend about a possible bid to lead Senate Republicans' campaign arm.

"It’s his if he goes forward with it," one Senate GOP aide said. 

The news came after Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) decided against a run. He was previously considered the lead candidate to take on the thankless role that involves meeting with donors and crisscrossing the country. 

He is also being floated as a possible candidate to become attorney general if former President Trump wins in November.

“Senator Schmitt was extremely grateful for support from all corners of the conference but is not going to seek the NRSC chairmanship next Congress,” a senior Schmitt aide told The Hill.

Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala.), who also was mulling over a possible run, also signaled that she is not interested in taking on the NRSC role next cycle. 

The Alabama Republican is viewed as a prime candidate to a key part of Republican leadership down the road. She is a part of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell’s (R-Ky.) leadership team.

NRSC chair is the lone Senate GOP leadership position that doesn't have a declared candidate.

The 2026 cycle also not shaping up to be a fun one for Republicans. There are only a couple of pickup opportunities in Democratic seats, and two of the biggest races will be for seats occupied by Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.). Of the 33 seats on the map, 20 are held by the GOP. 

It is considered the toughest map since the same crop of senators were up in 2020.