"Sen. John Cornyn Declares Candidacy for GOP Senate Leader as McConnell Steps Down"

Texas Sen. John Cornyn has announced his intention to run for Senate Republican leader following Sen. Mitch McConnell's decision to step down from the post in November. The scramble to succeed McConnell has begun, with speculation that South Dakota Sen. John Thune and Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso may also vie for the position. The race for leader is expected to take place through private discussions and meetings over the next several months, with no clear advantage among the potential candidates. McConnell's departure comes amid increasing criticism from within his party, and he has called for a "new generation" to take over.