Senate Republicans elected South Dakota’s John Thune to replace Kentucky’s Mitch McConnell as their new majority leader Wednesday, choosing an establishment figure over President-elect Trump’s preferred candidate in a vote that signals early potential tension between the chamber and the incoming administration.
“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 posted on X after his victory.
“This Republican team is united behind President Trump’s agenda, and our work starts today.”
The South Dakota senator secured 29 votes to Texas Senator John Cornyn’s 24 in a final runoff, after Trump ally Rick Scott of Florida was eliminated in the first round.
Scott’s elimination came despite an aggressive public campaign on social media and support from America First conservative influencers including Elon Musk and Tucker Carlson.
The contest became a proxy battle over the Senate’s independence, with Trump insiders campaigning against both Thune and Cornyn. During
Tuesday night’s candidate forum, Sen. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee pressed candidates on implementing “Trump’s mass deportation operation,” but sources said Scott’s business-focused pitch “didn’t do much to impress.”
Trump himself stayed officially neutral but demanded the new leader allow “recess appointments” to bypass Senate confirmation processes. All candidates, including Thune, agreed to consider it.
As Republicans prepare to control both chambers of Congress, Thune faces immediate challenges funding the government past December 20 and navigating Trump’s ambitious conservative agenda, from pardons for January 6 defendants to deportations to new import tariffs.
The election marks the end of McConnell’s historic tenure as the longest-serving party leader in Senate history, ushering in new leadership as Republicans prepare for total control of Washington in January.