CNN political commentator Scott Jennings may be eyeing a future in the U.S. Senate, hinting during an interview Wednesday that he could consider a run for retiring Sen. Mitch McConnell’s seat in 2026—especially if former President Donald Trump signals support.
Jennings, a veteran Republican strategist and former George W. Bush administration official, addressed the speculation on Real America’s Voice with host Eric Bolling. Bolling asked directly if Jennings was planning to run for McConnell’s Kentucky Senate seat. “A lot of people are floating your name,” Bolling said. “You thinking about it?”
“I haven’t made any announcements about that,” Jennings replied. He noted that three Republicans are already in the race—Rep. Andy Barr, former Kentucky Attorney General David Cameron, and businessman Nate Morris—and said he has known and supported all of them.
Still, Jennings left the door open to a future bid. “Politics is a team sport,” he said. “Trump’s the head coach and eventually he’s gonna weigh in on this… If he calls a play, we’re gonna have to run it.”
Bolling pressed him further: “If Trump taps you, you’re going to run?” Jennings answered, “I pay very close attention to everything the president says.”
Jennings recently launched a talk show on Salem Radio Network and has a history with Trump—joining him aboard Air Force One and speaking at Trump’s 100-day rally in Michigan. His increased media presence has added fuel to speculation about a Senate run.
Sen. McConnell, 81, announced his retirement in February after a series of health issues, including a concussion in 2023 and public freezing episodes during press conferences. With his departure, Kentucky’s 2026 Senate race is shaping up to be a key contest for Republican leadership.