The race for Republican leader of the U.S. Senate is down to three candidates, U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Rick Scott (R-Fla.).

The vote, set for Wednesday, has drawn the attention of MAGA A-listers Tucker Carlson, Robert Kennedy, Jr., Elon Musk, Vivek Ramaswamy and Steve Bannon, who all have openly endorsed Scott.

Alabama's senior member of the U.S. Senate, U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn), came out Sunday afternoon, also declaring his support for Scott.

However, Tuberville's counterpart, U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery), has not made a similar formal declaration, and her vote could swing the outcome of Wednesday's contest.

Late Sunday, a Britt spokesman responded to an 1819 News inquiry by saying she would reserve judgment until after a forum hosted by U.S. Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) on Tuesday.

"Senator Britt is looking forward to attending Senator Mike Lee's forum on Tuesday evening, where she'll question each of the candidates. She has also spoken to each of the candidates twice in the past two weeks. Senator Britt wants the next Republican Senate leader to significantly overhaul how the Senate has been operating and make it actually work for the American people. She will be looking for candidates to showcase the ability to successfully advance President Trump's agenda through Congress; a commitment to restore regular order in the appropriations process and end omnibuses; and a plan to empower committees and decentralize power within the chamber."

"She will ensure Alabama continues to have a strong seat at the table and that our state's values, people, and priorities are put first. Last week was a tremendous victory for our nation. Working with President Trump, a Republican Senate majority is ready to deliver real results and achieve commonsense solutions for the American people. Senator Britt is eager to get to work and put America back on track."

Informal whip counts have the three in a dead heat for the top spot, meaning Britt's decision could determine the outcome.

In addition to Tuberville, U.S. Sens. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Ron Johnson (R-Wisc.) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) have announced their support for Scott. U.S. Sens. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) have formally backed Thune. U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) is the lone announced backer for Cornyn.

In April 2022, during the heat of her contest for the Republican U.S. senatorial nomination, Britt expressed her support for Scott as a possible Republican leader over then-Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), declaring it was time for "new blood" and "fresh blood."

Britt never signaled publicly who she supported in the 2023 leadership contest, McConnell or Scott. However, she was later named to McConnell's leadership team later that year.

Jeff Poor is the editor in chief of 1819 News and host of "The Jeff Poor Show," heard Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-noon on Mobile's FM Talk 106.5. To connect or comment, email jeff.poor@1819News.com or follow him on Twitter @jeff_poor.

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