McConnell-McCarthy split heading into November 

The rolling fallout from the Jan. 6 Capitol attack is putting a renewed spotlight on the differences between Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnellAddison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnellKlobuchar on 2 GOP lawmakers censured: ‘To me, they’ve been patriots’ Pence to give commencement address at South Carolina university This week’s must-watch moments on Capitol Hill MORE (R-Ky.) and House GOP Leader Kevin McCarthyKevin McCarthy Pelosi extends House proxy voting until March 30 Overnight Defense & National Security — Top commander vents on Afghan evacuation Capitol Police IG to investigate GOP spying claims MORE (R-Calif.).  

The two men took opposite tacts this week to the Republican National Committee censure resolution of Reps. Adam KinzingerAdam Daniel KinzingerKlobuchar on 2 GOP lawmakers censured: ‘To me, they’ve been patriots’ Kinzinger says ‘Nothing surprises me anymore’ after RNC censures him GOP divisions delight discouraged Democrats MORE (Ill.) and Liz CheneyElizabeth (Liz) Lynn CheneyKlobuchar on 2 GOP lawmakers censured: ‘To me, they’ve been patriots’ Kinzinger says ‘Nothing surprises me anymore’ after RNC censures him GOP divisions delight discouraged Democrats MORE (Wyo.), marking the latest instance where they’ve parted ways over the past year.  

McConnell and McCarthy have different political considerations—namely the political make-up of their conferences and how they deal with former President TrumpDonald TrumpWisconsin Supreme Court allows ballot boxes to be banned for April election On The Money: Border blockade hits US economy Overnight Health Care — COVID-19 vaccine for young kids delayed MORE—even as they work to accomplish a shared goal: Winning back the majority in November.  

“Both are really quite strategic thinkers … They are different personalities, but they are similar in their leadership in that regard,” Sen. Kevin CramerKevin John CramerGOP tensions flare over Jan. 6 attack China plays an essential role in any global climate solution Longtime North Dakota attorney general dies suddenly MORE (R-N.D.), who served in the House before joining the Senate, told The Hill. “Kevin is really a cheerleader … Mitch is smart, cunning and calculating.”  

The two have opposite public personalities: McConnell is known for his strategic mind and dry humor but also for being closed-lipped even with members of his own caucus about his thinking. Trying to ask McConnell a question around the halls of the Capitol, will frequently get reporters radio silence.  

McCarthy, meanwhile, thrives on popularity, is known for being talkative and is closely attuned to what is driving conservative outlets and the party’s base. 

The two are at different points in their career: McCarthy, at 57, has spent years climbing the House GOP ladder and is aiming to capture the Speaker’s gavel for the first time if Republicans recapture the House majority after making a failed bid in 2015.  

McConnell, who turns 80 this month,…