Senator John Thune (R-S.D.) has been elected as the new leader of Senate Republicans, succeeding Mitch McConnell, who held the position for 18 years, according to sources present at the closed-door vote.
Thune’s election marks a significant shift in GOP leadership, positioning the South Dakota senator as the second most influential Republican in Washington. His win is seen as a victory for the party’s traditional establishment over the more Trump-aligned faction.
READ: Special Counsel Jack Smith Expected To Step Down Before Trump Takes Office
Thune’s success comes despite pressure from the MAGA wing of the party, which had favored candidates like Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.). Scott, a staunch Trump ally, was eliminated in the first round of voting.
Scott previously challenged McConnell for the leadership role in 2022 but fell short, securing just 10 GOP votes at the time.
READ: Trump Announces Key White House Senior Staff Appointments
The race ended in a tight contest between Thune and Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), with Cornyn finishing a close second. Cornyn was considered an underdog but gained substantial support, underscoring ongoing divisions within the party.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Android Users: Download our free app to stay up-to-date on the latest news.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.