Thune Wins Secret Ballot to Become New Senate GOP Leader, Succeeding McConnell
Senate Minority Whip John Thune will become the new Republican Senate leader and majority leader of the upper chamber in the upcoming Congress, following a closely watched leadership vote.
Thune, who will succeed Mitch McConnell as Senate Minority Leader in January, received 29 votes in a second secret ballot on Wednesday, defeating Sen. John Cornyn, who garnered 24 votes. McConnell, the longest-serving party leader in Senate history, announced earlier this year that he would step down from his leadership role.
“I am extremely honored to have earned the support of my colleagues to lead the Senate in the 119th Congress, and I am beyond proud of the work we have done to secure our majority and the White House,” Thune said in a statement. “This Republican team is united behind President Trump's agenda, and our work starts today.”
Sources told Fox News that the first secret ballot, held in the Senate chamber on Wednesday morning, did not produce a winner. Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., received the fewest votes and was eliminated from the race. A second ballot, between Thune and Cornyn, ultimately decided the outcome.
Senators Pitch Their Cases
The race for GOP Senate leader saw final pitches from each candidate the night before the vote, during a closed-door forum organized by Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah. Scott, who gained new endorsements from Senators Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., and Mike Lee during the meeting, tried to make his case, but sources indicated that his focus on his business background rather than specific Senate priorities didn’t sway many members.
Thune, who had secured endorsements from Senators Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., Mike Rounds, R-S.D., Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., and others, emerged as the favored candidate. National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) Chairman Steve Daines, R-Mont., was also quietly working behind the scenes to rally support for Thune.
Scott, however, enjoyed the backing of several high-profile conservative figures, including Senators Ted Cruz, R-Texas, Ron Johnson, R-Wis., and Marco Rubio, R-Fla.
Despite this, Thune’s support among key GOP senators and his broad appeal across the party ultimately secured him the role as leader.
Looking Ahead
Thune's new leadership role will take effect in January, as he assumes the position once held by McConnell. This marks a new chapter for Senate Republicans as they look to shape their agenda and leadership strategy heading into the next Congress.
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