Mellie Grant (Bellamy Young) will return strong and empowered in the second half of season 5 of the hit ABC series "Scandal."

Although she got kicked out of her comfortable nest in the White House by her former husband Fitz (Tony Goldwyn), Mellie will reportedly bid her time until she rises into power again. This time, she will make sure that the presidential palace is hers for the taking, but not just as the First Lady. In season 5B, Mellie wants Fitz's throne and all the perks that go with it. She will be running for president of the United States, snatch the seat from Fitz and have the last laugh.

In interview with Entertainment Weekly, Young talked about her character's aspirations to become the most powerful woman of the free world. According to her, Mellie is giving Fitz two months to enjoy his position before she seizes it for herself. The teaser for the midseason premiere even shows her trying to convince Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington), her husband's concubine, to run the campaign for her. Young said that the other contenders from both the Republicans and the Democrats would also be named soon.

"It's an amazing field of candidates. I cannot wait for everybody to see some new and old faces. Some folks will be a surprise, some folks will be folks you know very, very well, and some folks you may not have seen in a minute. It's good and juicy," the actress shared.

Meanwhile, ABC Entertainment President Paul Lee recently revealed his thoughts to TV Guide about the abortion storyline for the current season. According to him, he was very surprised that Shonda Rhimes came up with such a sensitive scene. Lee said, however, that he trusted the executive producer and supported her decision to include the twist in the series.

"It was an idea that came from Shonda Rhimes. I loved the way this was a big surprise. I backed her to the hilt," he said.

"Scandal" season 5 will return on Feb. 11 at 9 p.m. EST on ABC.