McConnell has been widely praised by incumbents and GOP campaign strategists for keeping the race for control of the chamber close. | M. Scott Mahaskey/POLITICO McConnell to run for GOP leader, even in minority

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell will serve as the GOP leader next year regardless of whether Republicans keep the Senate or not, a source familiar with his plans said on Tuesday evening.

Despite conservative groups that frequently chide him for cutting deals and even internal criticism from Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) — who called the Kentucky Republican a liar and a good Democratic leader — McConnell is expected to face no opposition for the leader job, just as he did two years ago.


“He’ll lead our conference whether we’re in the minority or majority after tonight,” the source said on Tuesday evening.

McConnell has been widely praised by incumbents and GOP campaign strategists for keeping the race for control of the chamber close, despite a terrible map that featured 24 Republicans up for reelection, including many in blue and purple states. He kept the GOP from stumbling into a government shutdown and a debt crisis and also won plaudits from conservatives for keeping a Supreme Court seat vacant following Justice Antonin Scalia’s death.

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