Republican senators go on the record with excitement over 2024 potential of one GOP senator in particular

 With the 2022 midterm elections in the rearview mirror, all eyes now turn to the 2024 presidential election.

The biggest question, especially with President Joe Biden's commitment to seek reelection, is who will compete for the Republican nomination. While Donald Trump has already announced his candidacy, buzz is building around one Senate Republican in particular.

Who is that person?

Republicans are reportedly excited about the prospect of Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), the only black Republican senator, who handily won reelection last month, running for the White House.

Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) told Politico that she is "very excited" about the possibility. Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) told the outlet that it "doesn’t get any better than Tim Scott." Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) said he would advise Scott to "go for it," while Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said he will withhold 2024 endorsements until he knows what Scott decides.

"Tim is one of the more ... endearing and interesting personalities in the Republican conference, and one of the most talented," Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) told Politico. "I think he thinks a lot about it. I mean, he just looks like a person who is making all the right moves to be a candidate."

Republicans are especially excited about Scott's potential after he won reelection by more than 25 points. Between his rising national profile, proven ability to work across the aisle, and extensive fundraising abilities, Scott will be a formidable candidate — if he decides to run, of course.

For his part, Scott is not speaking publicly about his 2024 prospects, though Politico suggested that Scott hinted at running in a recent speech.

"My grandfather voted for the first man of color to be elected as president of the United States," Scott said in that speech last month. "I wish he had lived long enough to see, perhaps, another man of color elected president of the United States."

What Republicans are running?

Trump is the only major Republican who has declared his candidacy thus far. By the summer of 2023, however, primary season is expected to be well under way.

Other candidates who could or are expected to run for the GOP nomination include: former Vice President Mike Pence, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.), former Gov. Chris Christie, and former Gov. Nikki Haley, among others.

Indeed, if the best Democrats have is Biden or Vice President Kamala Harris, the deep Republican bench bodes well for the GOP in 2024.