Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) ran a poll on the X platform on who should be the next Republican Senate leader and the results were overwhelming.

Ever a popular figure among the grassroots, Paul responded to calls and speculation that he runs to be the next Republican Senate leader to replace the outgoing Mitch McConnell, who will retire at the end of this year. 

"Thousands of people have been asking if I'd run for Senate leadership...," Paul wrote on X, followed up by a poll of three potential candidates. 

Thousands of people have been asking if I'd run for Senate leadership...

— Rand Paul (@RandPaul) March 8, 2024

Paul's poll featured three candidates; himself, John Cornyn of Texas and John Thune of South Dakota. As of the time of writing, Paul had won well over 95 percent of the vote.

It is worth bearing in mind that such polls are deeply unscientific and do not necessarily translate into success, particularly given the wider public have no say on the matter. However, what it does suggest is that Paul is overwhelmingly the grassroots favorite to replace his fellow senator for Kentucky.

🚨🗳️VOTE NOW 🗳️ 🚨 Who would you like to be the next Senate leader?

— Rand Paul (@RandPaul) March 8, 2024

Among those to indicate their support for Paul was X owner Elon Musk, who replied with the single word "sure" to Paul's suggestion. Musk then remarked that it "would be interesting to see the other Senate leadership candidates run similar polls." 

Would be interesting to see the other Senate leadership candidates run similar polls

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 8, 2024

Paul later celebrated his victory in a follow up tweeting, correctly pointing out that 97 percent of voters "oppose the status quo." 

100,000 votes, 97% oppose the status quo, if only we could hold the leadership vote online…No matter, at least the establishment knows their popularity wanes outside of DC! https://t.co/dEpI30lhxx

— Rand Paul (@RandPaul) March 9, 2024

Announcing his bid for the leadership last week, Cornyn declared: 

Throughout my time I’ve built a track record of listening to colleagues and seeking consensus, while leading the fight to stop bad policies that are harmful to our nation and the conservative cause.

I believe the Senate is broken – that is not news to anyone. The good news is that it can be fixed, and I intend to play a major role in fixing it.

Thune, meanwhile, confirmed his bid in an interview with Dakota News Now.

I think we’re ready for a new generation of consistent, principled, conservative leadership for Republicans in the United States Senate that empowers our individual members, gets back to dong things under regular order, which has gone by the wayside under the leadership of Chuck Schumer as he’s been the majority leader.

I think this is a real opportunity. Any transition is a chance for a reset. In my view, this is a chance for a reset and I’d like to be a part of it.

Another name touted as a possible replacement was Senator John Barrasso of Wyoming, although he has since confirmed he will seek the number two spot instead.

"I have had time to reflect on how I might best serve the Republican Conference and our country," Barrasso said in a statement Tuesday morning. "After a lot of thought, I will ask my colleagues for their support and help to work for them as the Assistant Republican Leader."