John Thune Wins GOP Leader Race 29-24, Replaces McConnell After 18 Years

Nov 13, 2024, 05:16 PM

Senator John Thune, 63, of South Dakota has been elected as the new Senate Majority Leader, succeeding Mitch McConnell who is stepping aside in January after nearly 18 years at the helm. Thune, previously the Republican Whip since 2019, won the leadership race against Senator John Cornyn of Texas and Senator Rick Scott of Florida. In the secret ballot vote, Thune defeated Cornyn 29-24 on the second ballot after Scott was eliminated in the first round. Thune's election marks a significant leadership change in the Senate Republican ranks.