On Wednesday, November 13th, the Republican members of the United States Senate held a closed-door meeting and conducted an anonymous vote to elect several leadership positions. Senator Tom Cotton defeated his opponent Joni Ernst and was elected as the Chairman of the Republican Conference, making him the third-highest-ranking member of the Republican Party.
Cotton will be taking over the duties from Senator John Barrasso, who was elected as the Senate Republican Whip during the closed-door meeting on Wednesday. The position of Whip ranks second in the Republican leadership.
Barrasso will be succeeding John Thune in his new role. Thune was elected as the Senate Republican Leader during Wednesday’s closed-door meeting.
Cotton’s rival, Ernst, previously served as the Chair of the Senate Republican Policy Committee. After former Senator Roy Blunt retired, Ernst assumed his position for two years.
Cotton has long been a bridge between the Senate leadership and the more conservative factions within the Republican Party. He also holds influence within the circle of President Trump.
According to Axios, Cotton was a strong contender for senior positions in the Trump administration but ultimately decided to remain in the Senate.
The responsibilities of the Republican Conference Chairman include leading and shaping the party’s political messaging, often providing guidance to colleagues on how to address current hot-button issues.
Cotton is considered a powerful communicator in the media, and his election as the Chairman of the Republican Conference will make him a key messenger for the Senate Republicans.
In addition to Cotton’s election, other leaders were also chosen by Senate Republicans on Wednesday. Shelley Moore Capito will serve as the Chair of the Republican Policy Committee; James Lankford will be the Vice-Chair of the Republican Conference; and Tim Scott will hold the position of Chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee.