Updated Nov 13, 2024 - Politics & Policy

John Thune wins Senate Republican leader race

This is John Thune — **Photo: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images**

Sen. John Thune has won the Senate GOP leader race, succeeding Mitch McConnell after an 18-year tenure, according to two sources in the room.

Why it matters: The South Dakota Republican is now the second most powerful man in Washington.

His win is a victory for the post-Trump establishment. He's not a natural, true-believer Trump guy like Rick Scott and his supporters are. Scott was eliminated on the first ballot, despite heavy MAGA pressure.
Scott challenged McConnell in 2022, falling far short but getting 10 GOP votes.
John Cornyn was an underdog to Thune, and ended up finishing in a close second.

What he's saying: "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 released shortly after the vote.

"This Republican team is united behind President Trump's agenda, and our work starts today," he added.

Zoom out: Sen. John Barrasso will officially be the next majority whip, after running unopposed.

Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) easily won his race against Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) for the No. 3 position of conference chair.

Editor's note: This article has been updated with comments from Thune.

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John Thune wins Senate Republican leader race

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