'Last culling': MSNBC host expects midterms to rid GOP of senators not in MAGA 'lockstep'

The MAGA wing of the Republican Party has been successful in taking over the House of Representatives, but there are still those in the U.S. Senate who don't adore Donald Trump.

But in two years, one-third of the Senate will be up for reelection again — and an MSNBC reporter thinks that could see a further culling of those not loyal to Trump.

Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA), Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) and Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) are all up for reelection in 2026, and their MAGA bona fides don't match up with their colleagues.

Also Read: New GOP Senate leader celebrated by some Dems — as MAGA hardcore melts down

But MSNBC's Ali Vitali and Garrett Haake also pointed to Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD) as someone who could clash with Trump over Kash Patel's nomination to head the FBI. Over the weekend, Rounds told ABC News that he still likes Chris Wray, the current FBI director and Trump appointee.

Sen. John Thune (R-SD), the incoming Senate Majority Leader, will likely become the lawmaker who must tell Trump "no" a lot, the MSNBC paid said. It could draw the ire of the president and his allies, but Thune isn't up for reelection again until 2028.

"There are a few senators like that," said Vitali. "The 2026 cycle could be the last culling we see of anyone not marching in MAGA lockstep."

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