In a letter to colleagues Monday, Barrasso said Senate Republicans had a "difficult night" last Tuesday and now have "both an obligation and an opportunity to demonstrate that we heard the unmistakable message voters sent."

"As the opposition party in the Senate, we must be equally clear about what we stand for and what we will fight against," Barrasso wrote. "We need to draw sharp, principled contrast with the left-wing Majority."

Barrasso, who currently serves as whip, is expected to run unopposed in Tuesday's leadership election. His pitch comes as Senate Republicans are openly grappling with how to move forward after losing control of the chamber last week.

In the letter, Barrasso said that while "bipartisan accomplishments matter," bipartisanship "cannot come at the expense of our principles."

A group of conservative senators led by Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson is pushing to delay the leadership elections and has requested a conference meeting Tuesday morning to discuss the request. Barring a broader mutiny that few Republicans expect, Sen. John Thune of South Dakota is expected to be reelected as top GOP leader later in the day.

Barrasso did not address the calls for a delay in his letter, but he argued that Senate Republicans will be more effective over the next two years if they are united.

"Our effectiveness will depend on our ability to work together, make tough decisions, and communicate openly," Barrasso said. "Every Senator deserves to be heard. Every concern deserves consideration. We will not agree on everything, but we remain united in our purpose."

The leadership vote comes as Republicans prepare to become the minority party in January, when Democrats take control of both chambers of Congress. The GOP's internal debate over direction follows midterm losses that have left members searching for a message and a strategy.

Barrasso's letter frames the next two years around opposition and contrast, signaling that Senate Republicans intend to challenge the Democratic majority rather than prioritize compromise. The push by Johnson and other conservatives to delay the elections reflects lingering frustration within the conference over how the party handled the election and its agenda.

For Wyoming, Barrasso's continued leadership role would keep a senior Republican in a key position as the Senate shifts to Democratic control. The whip's job involves counting votes and maintaining party discipline, making it central to how Republicans organize against the incoming majority.

The leadership elections are set for Tuesday, with the conference meeting requested by Johnson scheduled for the morning.