Politicos are closely watching the impending US Senate leadership race this week as the GOP prepares to reclaim the majority at the start of 2025.

On Wednesday, Republicans are set to meet in private to choose the next Senate Majority Leader. The race will determine the chamber’s direction in the years to come, as well as its priorities and cooperation with the Republican-controlled House of Representatives and White House. 

With Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell stepping down, Senate Minority Whip John Thune, R-SD, Sen. John Cornyn, R-TX, and Sen. Rick Scott, R-FL, are in the race to succeed him. Thune and Cornyn are seen as McConnell allies, while Scott has closely aligned himself with President-elect Donald Trump. 

In the days leading up to the closed-door vote, rumors and speculation have swirled online about where key players stand, including North Carolina’s Sens. Thom Tillis and Ted Budd. A reportedly leaked list went viral on X and garnered over 10 million views claiming that Tillis is supporting Thune while Budd is supporting Cornyn. However, both senators’ offices refuted the allegations, telling the Carolina Journal that the post is inaccurate and each has not yet made a decision.

“Obviously, I can only speak for Senator Budd, but it is not [accurate]. He has not made any decisions,” a Budd spokesperson told the Carolina Journal. 

A Tillis staffer told the Carolina Journal on Tuesday that the list “definitely is not” accurate and that Tillis hasn’t made up his mind yet. The spokesperson pointed to Thune’s vote, which erroneously shows Thune voting for Cornyn. During an interview in October, Tillis expressed opposition to efforts to weaken the role of the Senate Majority Leader and jokingly said he would “support a guy named John,” keeping the door open as to which one.

SEE ALSO: Tillis weighs in on GOP leadership race to replace McConnell, predicts Trump victory in NC

Still, some North Carolinians were quick to let the state’s two Republican senators know their choice for Senate majority leader. 

Some senators, including Rand Paul, Bill Hagerty, Ron Johnson, Tommy Tuberville, and Marco Rubio, have publicly supported Scott. Public figures like Tucker Carlson and Elon Musk have also publicly supported Scott, though enough internal support remains doubtful.

While Trump has not publicly endorsed a senator for the top position, he did say the new leader “must agree to Recess Appointments (in the Senate!), without which we will not be able to get people confirmed in a timely manner.”