Hawley blasts GOP after midterm losses, refuses to back Senate leadership and calls for prayer
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Missouri US Senator Josh Hawley is sharply criticizing his own party following major election losses, accusing Republicans of abandoning working Americans.
Hawley's comments come as Republicans grapple with sweeping Democratic victories in the November 3 midterm elections and growing disagreements over the party's direction.
"When you abandon pro-lifers, when you abandon the needy, when you abandon the poor, when you abandon working people, the American people might have something to say about that," Hawley told reporters.
He argued that Republicans have failed to prioritize the financial struggles of working families, particularly rising health care costs and cuts to programs serving vulnerable Americans.
Hawley has been especially critical of reductions in Medicaid funding and their potential consequences for rural hospitals.
Hawley also signaled dissatisfaction with Republican leadership in Washington.
Asked whether Senate Republicans needed new leadership, Hawley declined to pledge his vote to the current leadership team.
"I'm not going to pledge my vote to leadership. I'll tell you that," Hawley said.
His remarks come as Senate Republicans debate their leadership following the election losses.
Senate Republican leader John Thune of South Dakota is seeking another term, but some members have questioned whether the party needs a change in direction.
Republicans also suffered setbacks in Missouri, losing their legislative supermajorities while retaining control of both chambers of the General Assembly.
Voters rejected a Republican-backed congressional redistricting proposal and an amendment that would have reinstated broad abortion restrictions.
Meanwhile, Hawley is calling for a religious response to the election results.
Hawley described the Republican losses as shocking and historic, saying they demanded a historic response.
He called on Christians to gather at the U.S. Capitol on December 15 for prayer and fasting, with a gathering scheduled from noon until 1 p.m.
Hawley, who was not on the ballot this year, has long emphasized Christian faith and opposition to abortion in his political messaging.
His increasingly pointed criticism reflects a growing struggle within the Republican Party over its priorities, leadership and response to voters following the midterm elections.
