Senate Republicans have chosen Sen. John Thune from South Dakota as their new leader in the upcoming Congress, according to multiple sources familiar with the decision. This leadership shift comes as Mitch McConnell, who held the position for an unprecedented 18 years, steps down.
Thune, currently the Senate Republican whip, won the leadership role over two contenders: John Cornyn from Texas, a former whip, and Florida’s Rick Scott, who recently secured a second term. Thune has been a member of the Senate since 2004 and has progressively advanced in leadership, having previously served as chair of the Republican conference and the Commerce Committee before assuming the whip role in 2019.
In his campaign for leadership, Thune advocated for the continuation of President-elect Donald Trump’s agenda, despite having previously disputed Trump’s unfounded claims regarding the 2020 election. After being elected, Thune expressed his gratitude, stating, “I am extremely honored to have earned the support of my colleagues to lead the Senate in the 119th Congress.”
The vote to determine the new leadership was conducted behind closed doors, culminating in a contest that divided the Republican Party, especially with Scott positioned as an underdog who garnered support from Trump’s more vocal allies. Ultimately, after initial elimination, Thune succeeded in defeating Cornyn on a second ballot.
Thune’s leadership follows recent elections that resulted in Republican control of the Senate, and he pledged to facilitate the legislative agenda and expedite the confirmation of Trump’s appointees. He stated that the Senate Republican majority is committed to aligning its efforts with Trump’s priorities to ensure a swift legislative process.
Both Thune and Cornyn share a reputation for fostering relationships within the Senate and are part of a more traditional wing of the GOP. In contrast, Scott has positioned himself within the party’s MAGA faction and has been a critical voice against McConnell.
Cornyn, in a letter addressing fellow Republicans, emphasized the importance of restoring cohesion within the Senate while presenting a detailed agenda to address issues such as border security and federal spending.
Additionally, in a reshuffle within the Senate GOP leadership ranks, Sen. John Barrasso from Wyoming was elected as the No. 2 majority whip, while a competitive battle is underway for the No. 3 position between Sens. Tom Cotton and Joni Ernst.
As these changes unfold, there is a renewed focus on unity among Republicans, with Thune’s election symbolizing a potential path forward for the party as it prepares to tackle critical legislative priorities in the coming term.
This transition presents an opportunity for the Republican Party to reaffirm its focus and amplify its agenda, with the potential for collaboration and progress in addressing key issues that matter to Americans.