CNN commentator and longtime GOP strategist Scott Jennings has ignited speculation about a 2026 Senate run, suggesting he might throw his hat in the ring for Sen. Mitch McConnell’s seat — if President Donald J. Trump gives the green light.

Jennings, who served as a special assistant to President George W. Bush and is now a prominent conservative voice, addressed the rumors in an interview with Eric Bolling on Real America’s Voice. When asked directly whether he’s considering a bid, Jennings didn’t deny it — but made it clear who calls the shots in today’s Republican Party.

“I do think politics is a team sport, and I think Trump’s the head coach,” Jennings said. “If he calls a play, we’re gonna have to run it. I wouldn’t want to run against the president in Kentucky.”

Pressed further on whether he’d run if Trump tapped him, Jennings didn’t say no.

“I pay very close attention to everything the president says,” he replied with a grin.

With McConnell’s retirement approaching, President Trump is reportedly focused on ensuring his successor is a true America First ally — not a GOP relic beholden to the D.C. establishment. While several candidates have already entered the race, concerns are mounting within MAGA circles over one candidate’s financial ties to Trump’s enemies.

Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY), one of the top contenders, has come under scrutiny for using his leadership PAC to support four House Republicans who voted to impeach Trump in 2021. Although Barr himself voted against impeachment, his financial support for anti-Trump Republicans has raised red flags among grassroots conservatives.

According to The New York Post, Barr’s PAC made donations to the following:

• Anthony Gonzalez (R-OH) – $2,500, who later called Trump “a cancer.”
• John Katko (R-NY) – $2,000
• David Valadao (R-CA) – $10,000 (in four installments)
• Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA) – $3,000

Of the four, only Valadao remains in Congress. These contributions occurred well after Trump publicly named and shamed the 10 House Republicans who sided with Democrats on impeachment, urging voters to “get rid of them all.”

Loyalty to President Trump has been a cornerstone of his personnel strategy in both terms of his administration. As the kingmaker in Kentucky — a state he won by a landslide 30.5 points in 2020 — Trump’s endorsement will likely decide the 2026 GOP nominee.

Jennings’ potential candidacy adds a wild card to an already crowded field that includes:

• Rep. Andy Barr, 51
• Daniel Cameron, 39, former Kentucky Attorney General
• Nate Morris, 44, waste management entrepreneur and longtime GOP donor

Barr’s camp has defended his record, arguing he’s supported Trump consistently and pointing out that his PAC has made hundreds of donations, not just to impeachment voters. His spokesman, Alex Bellizzi, also noted that Nate Morris donated $5,000 to Nikki Haley in May 2021 — shortly after she promised not to run against Trump, a promise she later broke.

Cameron, meanwhile, faces headwinds after losing the 2023 governor’s race to Democrat Andy Beshear by over five points — a fact Barr’s team is using to question his electability in a red state.

As President Trump continues reshaping the GOP into a movement loyal to its America First principles, the Kentucky Senate race may serve as a litmus test. Will the party nominate another establishment Republican with ties to impeachment turncoats? Or will Trump’s nod propel a true loyalist — perhaps even Jennings — into the national spotlight?

For now, all eyes are on Mar-a-Lago.