Senate Republican leader John Thune said Tuesday that he will stay out of the party’s 2028 presidential primary, as several of his Senate colleagues weigh potential campaigns to succeed President Donald Trump.

“I’m not going to take sides because we’ll have, probably, several senators maybe in that conversation,” Thune said in an interview.

His pledge of neutrality comes as Republicans assess the fallout from sweeping midterm losses and the prospect of a more competitive presidential field. Thune was reelected to lead Senate Republicans as they prepare to enter the minority in January.

The party’s losses could reshape the contest by taking some of the shine off Vice President JD Vance’s prospects, prompting some Republicans to see a more open race for the nomination.

Among the senators considering their options is Ted Cruz of Texas, who sought the Republican presidential nomination in 2016 and is flirting with another White House run. Josh Hawley of Missouri appeared to reopen the door to a campaign this week after the election.

Rand Paul of Kentucky, another 2016 presidential contender, and John Kennedy of Louisiana have also discussed possible bids.

A crowded field involving sitting senators would present Thune with a challenge as party leader: managing relationships with colleagues who may be competing against one another for the nomination while also preparing for the next Senate election.

Republicans will also have to accommodate senators seeking reelection in 2028, when the Senate map is viewed as favorable to Democrats.

Thune could be among those on the ballot. He told POLITICO earlier this year that his “assumption” was that he would seek reelection in 2028.

Asked Tuesday whether the midterm results had changed his thinking, Thune said he was “gearing up and getting things ready and in position, and we’ll probably be making some announcements about that here soon.”