In a closely contested Republican leadership election, Senate Minority Whip John Thune will become the new Republican Senate Leader and majority leader in the upper chamber of Congress, starting in January. He will succeed Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., who has held the post for a record-breaking tenure, becoming the longest-serving party leader in Senate history.
The election, conducted in the historic old Senate chamber, required multiple rounds of secret balloting. According to sources close to Fox News Digital, the initial ballot did not yield a majority for any candidate, and Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., who received the least support, was eliminated. This left the race to be decided between Thune and Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas. Thune ultimately won the leadership with 29 votes to Cornyn’s 24, per information provided by Thune’s office.
Leadership Forum and Strategy Discussions
Ahead of the final vote, the candidates made one last appeal to their Republican colleagues during a forum organized by Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah. During this closed-door meeting, each leader presented their strategy for the Senate’s conservative voice. Thune, who has often positioned himself as a sharp critic of President Trump, faced questions about his stance on key issues. Sen. Scott gained support during the discussion, leaving the forum with new public endorsements from Sen. Lee and Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn.
Blackburn reportedly questioned candidates directly, seeking clarity on “how they would give conservatives a more meaningful voice in the Senate” and pressing for “specific details as to how they would immediately implement President Trump’s mass deportation operation.”
With his elevation to Senate Majority Leader, Thune’s leadership will be closely watched, as his critique of former President Trump and moderate approach may shape the Senate’s direction amidst ongoing party tensions.
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