Jan 13, 2025 - Politics & Policy

Thune picks his Senate inner circle

Stef W. Kight

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) speaks to the press following a meeting with President-elect Donald Trump — Senate Majority Leader John Thune speaks to the press following a meeting with President-elect Trump. Photo: Nathan Posner/Anadolu via Getty Images

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) is forming his kitchen cabinet — an inner circle of advisers outside of elected leadership, Axios has learned.

Why it matters: A new leader means new alliances and new voices with influence.

Zoom in: Thune is naming four senators as his counselors, a Senate GOP leadership aide tells Axios.

Steve Daines (R-Mont.), who helped give Thune his majority as NRSC chair last cycle.
MarkWayne Mullin (R-Okla.), a Trump ally and vocal supporter of Thune's leadership bid from the start.
John Cornyn (R-Tex.), who ran against Thune for leader and was also a part of McConnell's leadership circle.
Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), who was praised for leading the effort to rewrite the RNC platform last year — in a Trump-like style.

Zoom out: The unofficial advisory board is invited to join the elected Senate GOP leadership team in regular Monday leadership meetings in Thune's office.

Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-Wyo.)
GOP conference Chair Tom Cotton (R-Ark.)
Policy Chair Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.)
Vice Chair of policy James Lankford (R-Okla.)
NRSC Chair Tim Scott (R-S.C.)

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Thune picks his Senate inner circle

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