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

Senator John Cornyn has officially announced his candidacy to lead the Senate Republican Conference, following Mitch McConnell's decision not to seek another term as Republican leader. Cornyn, a close ally of McConnell, has a track record of bipartisan negotiation and conservative advocacy, but faces criticism from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Despite his past reservations about Donald Trump, Cornyn has endorsed the former president and aims to unify the Republican Party factions as a facilitator rather than a dictator. He has also expressed a desire to improve communication, transparency, and inclusion within the Senate. Cornyn's announcement comes amid speculation from other Republican leaders expressing interest in the same position.