Drew Brandewie: Chief of staff, Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas)

Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) has worn many hats during his two-plus decade tenure in the upper chamber — and chief of staff Drew Brandewie has been with him for much of that time.

Cornyn has run the Senate GOP’s whip operation, the National Republican Senatorial Committee (twice) and has been a key ally of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) for much of that time. 

Now, the Texas Republican wants to replace McConnell, and Brandewie is set to assume a key post if that comes to fruition after Election Day.

Brandewie, a 15-year veteran of Cornyn’s team, has served in a number of capacities for the longtime Texas senator, having headed up his communications shop before becoming his chief of staff two years ago.

To Cornyn, Brandewie brings a steady hand to his operation as they lay the groundwork ahead of the November leadership election in a race that is far from solidified. 

“I call him ‘No Drama Drew,’” Cornyn said in a brief interview. “I know him and trust him. … He’s rock-solid.”

Cornyn said that during his time on the Texas Supreme Court and as a district judge, he routinely asked his law clerks for candor even if they disagreed with him. 

“But in the end, I’m the one who gets to make the decisions, because I got the election certificate,” he said. 

Brandewie, he said, provides that needed candor.

“He routinely gives me good advice and occasionally talks me off the cliff, and I appreciate staffers who are sometimes uncharacteristically candid, but it helps me make better decisions,” he said. “I’m happy to have Drew on my team as long as he wants to be.”