Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) said on Tuesday that Republicans had problems during the midterms due to candidate quality, blaming former President Donald Trump for the concern.

McConnell shared the remarks with a reporter who asked about his plans to select candidates for the 2024 election.

McConnell Blames Trump's Influence in Primaries for 'Candidate Quality' Problems in Midterms https://t.co/5uGRwxaxGx #SocialMedia #News #BreakingNews

— US Burning (@UsBurning) December 14, 2022

The comments

“I said we had a bunch of close races, and looking at each race separately, I wasn’t making that up,” McConnell said.

“Look at Arizona, look at New Hampshire, and a challenging situation in Georgia as well,” he added.

“Our ability to control primary outcome was quite limited in ’22 because of the support of the former president proved to be very decisive in these primaries, so my view was do the best you can with the cards you’re dealt,” McConnell continued.

McConnell: "Our ability to control the primary outcome was quite limited in 2022 because of the support of the former president. Hopefully in the next cycle, we'll have quality candidates everywhere." pic.twitter.com/ep0aatPWXl

— Greg Price (@greg_price11) December 13, 2022

Not just McConnell

Others are also expressing concern over Trump's role in the weak performance by Republicans during the midterms.

Republican National Committee chair Ronn McDaniel felt pressured to address the issue during a Fox Business interview in evaluating the elections, saying she "didn't like this."

VARNEY: Would you say that Donald Trump bears any responsibility for some of the losses in the midterm elections?

RONNA McDANIEL: You know, I don't like this pic.twitter.com/wmfL1t8O60

— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) December 12, 2022

Georgia Senate candidate Herschel Walker was among the top contenders to struggle despite Trump's endorsement. A football legend in the state, he seemed poised for a win.

Moving forward

Walker's fumbles, however, were spotted early on. He had not lived in Georgia for many years until recently, had baggage from past relationships and children and struggled in debates and interviews over a lack of political experience.

Pennsylvania was another concern, as Trump backed Dr. Oz in his run against John Fetterman. Despite a stroke and inability to give an adequate interview or speech, Fetterman won the state as Oz was not as conservative as the state's Republicans wanted.

The midterms were a weak point for the GOP and Trump's role played a part. The question is how to move forward without making the same mistakes in 2024, especially with Trump running for president.