National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) Speaker Steve Daines, R-Mont., is privately urging fellow Senate Republicans to vote in favor of Senate Minority Whip John Thune, RS.D., a close source told Fox News Digital.

The Montana Republican has not publicly endorsed Thune but plans to support him in the November 13 secret ballot. determine who will succeed Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., to lead the party.

Until last month, Daines was still considered a potential candidate to lead the group. The senator has repeatedly sidestepped the question of whether he would enter the race, without ruling it out. However, he confirmed to Fox News in October that he would not seek the leadership position.

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Daines, on the left, privately encourages other Republicans to support Thune, on the right. (Reuters)

Daines’ office did not provide comment to Fox News Digital in time for publication.

The leadership position is currently being sought by Thune and Sens. John Cornyn, R-Texas, and Rick Scott, R-Fla.

McConnell, 82, announced in February that he would no longer run for president in the next Congress. He is the longest-serving party leader in Senate history.

The very influential Kentucky Republican will not support a successor before the election, Fox News also confirmed.

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Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Republican of Kentucky, speaks during a news conference at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC, Wednesday, November 6, 2024. (Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Before Daines dispelled speculation that he would launch a campaign for leader, Trump told allies following McConnell’s announcement that he would like to see the race for Montana senator to succeed him.

This was motivated by the president-elect’s good relationship with Daines, the source explained.

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Trump has told allies he wants to see Daines run for Senate Republican leader. (Reuters/AP)

Senators remained silent throughout the months leading up to the leadership race, choosing instead to focus on the 2024 election. Very few Republicans made revealing public comments about the candidates or who they were leaning toward.

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From left: Senators John Cornyn, John Thune and Rick Scott are considered contenders in the race to succeed Mitch McConnell as president. (Getty Images)

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Only three senators have given public support, with Sens. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., and Mike Rounds, R-S.D., announcing their support for Thune earlier this year, and Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis. ., who recently endorsed Scott and urged Trump to support him as well.

Trump has not spoken and it is unclear whether he plans to do so. His team did not immediately provide comment to Fox News Digital.