Sen Cruz likely to be the next top Republican on the Senate Commerce Committee

Sen Roger Wicker (R-MS) is very likely on his way out as the current ranking member on the Senate Commerce Committee. And all signs point to Sen Ted Cruz (R-TX) replacing him as ranking member — or chair, depending on how November 2022’s election shapes up — by this time in 2023. The Texas senator has a reputation as a political firebrand unconcerned with diplomatic niceties. And some people are already worried his ascendance could further complicate the committee’s work. Cruz said he’d “of course” be happy to serve as the top Republican on Commerce, explaining that to do otherwise would be to disregard a longstanding GOP tradition of basing committee chairs on seniority. Wicker also gave Cruz his blessing. “We almost always follow seniority,” he told MT. Though Wicker noted his colleagues would have to vote on the change, he said the “speculation” is Cruz will take over from him after he decamps for Senate Armed Services. Though not necessarily a moderate Republican, Wicker has been known to reach across the aisle and work with his Democratic colleagues. Cruz tends to do so less frequently — and his relationship with Sen Maria Cantwell (D-WA), who is expected to remain the top Democrat on Commerce, could be a difficult one. Cantwell has said that she hopes to pass privacy legislation, and said she looked forward to working with Cruz on that issue.