The Houston native is one of three Republicans in the running to be the GOP leader in the Senate next year, succeeding Mitch McConnell.

Sen. John Cornyn emerges as a strong contender for Senate GOP leadership with a $18.3 million fundraising total supporting his bid.

Senators John Cornyn of Texas, a former whip and strong fundraiser, and Rick Scott of Florida, a Trump ally, are also running for leader. Others could still jump in the race.

Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) made his leadership pitch in a “Dear Colleague” letter sent to Senate Republicans on Monday as he lays the groundwork to replace Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY).

Senate Republican Whip John Thune (S.D.) told colleagues at a special political strategy meeting Tuesday that he will transfer $4 million from his campaign account to the National Republican Senatorial Committee to help chip away at the big fundraising advantage Senate Democrats have enjoyed so far this cycle.

Senate Majority Whip John Thune (R-S.D.) is cutting a $4 million check for the GOP's campaign arm, as he seeks to woo support for his bid to replace Mitch McConnell. Why it matters: Thune's move — which he announced to his colleagues in a closed-door lunch Tuesday — is the single largest transfer ever to the National Republican Senatorial Committee.

Senate Minority Whip John Thune (R-SD) transferred $4 million to the campaign arm of Senate Republicans on Tuesday, the latest in a battle over who will succeed Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) as GOP leader.