Scott Jennings Eyes Senate Run — But Only With Trump’s Blessing
Longtime Republican strategist and CNN conservative commentator Scott Jennings is reportedly weighing a run for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Mitch McConnell — but there’s a major condition: he won’t launch a campaign without a green light from Donald Trump.
Jennings, a former senior adviser to McConnell and one of the most prominent conservative voices on mainstream television, has seen his national profile grow in recent years through frequent appearances on CNN. Known for defending Republican principles while also critiquing party missteps, he has become a go-to voice for conservative commentary in a media landscape often dominated by polarized narratives. His recent contract renewal with CNN only added to speculation that Jennings is positioning himself for a higher political platform.
Loyalty to Trump Could Shape the Race
Despite his close ties to McConnell — the longest-serving Senate Republican leader in history — Jennings is aligning his political future more closely with Trump’s base, which now dominates the GOP. In a statement to close allies and media insiders, Jennings made clear that any run would be contingent on receiving Donald Trump’s approval and support, a reflection of the former president’s outsized influence in Republican primaries.
“I have deep respect for Leader McConnell and all that he’s done for the country and Kentucky,” Jennings reportedly said in a private conversation, “but this is a new era for the party, and I’m not interested in running unless President Trump is on board.”
The comment highlights an increasingly common dynamic in GOP races: former loyalty to establishment figures like McConnell may matter less than current alignment with Trump.
A Crowded Field — and No Trump Endorsement Yet
If Jennings jumps in, he’ll face stiff competition. Already in the mix are Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron — a former protégé of Mitch McConnell who was endorsed by Trump during his unsuccessful 2023 gubernatorial bid — and U.S. Representative Andy Barr, a seasoned lawmaker with deep ties to Kentucky’s conservative grassroots.
So far, Donald Trump has not endorsed any candidate in the race, though his eventual pick could dramatically reshape the primary. Insiders say the former president is keeping a close eye on how the field develops and may withhold an endorsement until later in the cycle, using it as a strategic lever.
Tensions Between McConnell and Trump Loom Large
The Senate seat in question will be open if McConnell, who is 83 and has faced recent health challenges, retires at the end of his current term. McConnell has not yet made a formal announcement about his future, but political observers widely expect that 2026 could mark his exit from elected office.
Should Jennings enter the race, he would be walking a political tightrope — balancing respect for McConnell, under whom he built much of his career, with the need to align with Trump, whose influence now defines much of the Republican base.
Some GOP strategists believe Jennings could act as a bridge between the party’s establishment and populist wings — but only if he can navigate the internal divisions with care.
What’s Next for Jennings?
Although Jennings has not formally declared his candidacy, discussions within his political circle have intensified, and preliminary efforts to gauge donor support are reportedly underway. If Trump signals approval, a campaign announcement could follow quickly.
For now, Jennings remains a regular on CNN, using his platform to shape conservative messaging — and perhaps quietly test the waters for a Senate run that could redefine his career and reshape Kentucky’s political future.