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Senate Vacancy

All articles tagged with #senate vacancy

Beshear urges McConnell to prove capacity or resign amid vacancy concerns
politics2 hours ago

Beshear urges McConnell to prove capacity or resign amid vacancy concerns

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear pressed Sen. Mitch McConnell to publicly prove he can continue serving or resign after his office said he remains medically unable to return to work; Beshear suggested releasing a brief video or making a media appearance, warning that McConnell's absence could shrink the GOP's Senate majority and trigger questions about Kentucky's vacancy rules. The state’s 2024 law bars Beshear from appointing a temporary senator and could lead to a special election, with Sept. 1 as the practical deadline for an Nov. 3 vote; McConnell has been hospitalized since a June fall and has released limited updates on his condition.

McConnell’s Health Sparks Debate Over Replacing a Senate Seat
politics12 days ago

McConnell’s Health Sparks Debate Over Replacing a Senate Seat

Amid a June 14 fall and ongoing health concerns, questions surround who would replace Mitch McConnell if he cannot finish his term. Kentucky’s 2024 law now requires a special election—not gubernatorial appointment—to fill Senate vacancies, likely delaying any replacement beyond the November midterms and potentially inviting legal challenges. The seat is up for grabs in November between Democrat Charles Booker and Republican Andy Barr, with implications for Senate control and key votes.

Mullin’s DHS bid sparks Oklahoma Senate vacancy
politics4 months ago

Mullin’s DHS bid sparks Oklahoma Senate vacancy

President Trump's nomination of Sen. Markwayne Mullin to lead Homeland Security will leave Oklahoma with an unexpected Senate vacancy. Under state law, Gov. Kevin Stitt would appoint Mullin's replacement, who cannot run in the next election, likely setting off a GOP-leaning race with potential contenders such as Reps. Kevin Hern, Stephanie Bice and former Speaker T.W. Shannon.

"Kentucky Legislature Limits Governor's Role in Filling Senate Vacancy"
politics2 years ago

"Kentucky Legislature Limits Governor's Role in Filling Senate Vacancy"

Kentucky lawmakers have passed a bill that would remove the Democratic governor's role in selecting a replacement for a U.S. Senate seat vacancy, instead calling for a special election to fill the seat for the remainder of the unexpired term. The bill, which could take effect immediately if enacted into law, has been denounced by Governor Andy Beshear as driven by partisanship. The move comes amid speculation about the future of Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell's seat, with McConnell leaving open the possibility of seeking another term in 2026.

"Kentucky House Passes Bill for Special Elections to Fill Senate Vacancies"
politics2 years ago

"Kentucky House Passes Bill for Special Elections to Fill Senate Vacancies"

The Kentucky House has passed a bill calling for a special election to fill any U.S. Senate vacancy in the state, effectively removing the Democratic governor's role in the decision. The move comes amid speculation about the future of Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell's seat, following his announcement to step down from his leadership position. The governor has criticized the bill as driven by partisanship, and could potentially veto it, although Republicans hold a supermajority in the legislature. This legislation follows a previous measure that limited the governor's power to temporarily fill a Senate seat, and has sparked debate over the appropriate process for filling such vacancies.

"Kentucky Governor's Uncertainty on GOP Appointment and McConnell's Health Concerns Spark Republican Reactions"
politics2 years ago

"Kentucky Governor's Uncertainty on GOP Appointment and McConnell's Health Concerns Spark Republican Reactions"

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has refused to commit to following a state law that would allow Republicans to choose a replacement for Senator Mitch McConnell if he were to leave Congress before the end of his term. Beshear stated that there is currently no Senate vacancy and that McConnell has expressed his intention to serve out his term. The governor's comments come amid increasing scrutiny of McConnell's health after he appeared to freeze up during recent news conferences. State laws regarding filling congressional vacancies vary, and Kentucky's General Assembly changed its procedures in 2021 to limit the governor's power in temporarily filling a Senate vacancy.