John Thune Elected as Senate Majority Leader, Succeeding McConnell After 18 Years

Nov 13, 2024, 05:16 PM

Senate Republicans have elected Senator John Thune of South Dakota as the new Senate Majority Leader, succeeding Senator Mitch McConnell, who is stepping down after a record 18 years in the position. Thune, considered an establishment figure, won the leadership role in a secret ballot election, defeating Senator John Cornyn of Texas and Senator Rick Scott of Florida, a close ally of President-elect Donald Trump who was favored by MAGA supporters. In the final round of voting, Thune secured 29 votes to Cornyn's 24 after Scott was eliminated in the first round. The election was seen as a test of GOP direction entering the second Trump era. Thune's election positions him to lead the Republican majority in the Senate as they prepare to work with President-elect Trump to advance their legislative agenda.