Republicans have elected South Dakota Sen. John Thune as the next Senate majority leader, completing a momentous shift in their leadership that elevates a top deputy of Sen. Mitch McConnell into a key position as President-elect Donald Trump returns to the White House.
Sen. John Thune of South Dakota, speaks in support of Ohio Republican candidate for the United States Senate, Bernie Moreno during a bus tour stop for the Ohio Senate race in Columbus, Ohio, on Oct. 28, 2024.
Republicans are replacing Kentucky's McConnell, the longest serving Senate party leader, as they prepare to take majority control with the 53 seats they won in last week’s elections. Who senators choose, and whether Trump ultimately endorses a candidate in the final hours, could set the tone for Trump’s attempts to assert control over the legislative branch in his second presidency. His relationship with McConnell was strained in his first term, and Trump was often frustrated that lawmakers would not fully bend to his will.
And aside from Scott’s challenge to McConnell two years ago, in which he won 10 votes, it is the first competitive election for Republican leader in three decades. McConnell, who has been a force for the party but has repeatedly feuded with Trump, was uncontested when he first became party leader in 2007.
One thing all candidates agree on is change from McConnell, who called most of the shots as leader — a top demand from the far-right faction of the caucus who disagreed with McConnell on aid to Ukraine and increasingly turned on him as he feuded with Trump.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
These Are the Candidates for the Senate Leadership ElectionWhat to know about Sens. John Thune, John Cornyn, and Rick Scott as they run to replace Mitch McConnell in the top GOP leadership spot.
Read more »
North Korea blows up road connecting to South Korea, prompting warning shots from SouthNorth Korea blew up parts of inter-Korean roads and rail lines near its heavily militarised border with South Korea on Tuesday.
Read more »
Dakota Johnson spends time with friends in LA after Chris Martin split rumors'Madame Web' star Dakota Johnson dons plunging shimmering gown that extended down to her belly button. Johnson donned the deep-v fit lined with sparkling jewels for the event hosted by Kering.
Read more »
Dakota Johnson spends time with friends in LA after Chris Martin split rumors'Madame Web' star Dakota Johnson dons plunging shimmering gown that extended down to her belly button. Johnson donned the deep-v fit lined with sparkling jewels for the event hosted by Kering.
Read more »
Dakota Johnson And Jennifer Lawrence Bond Over Good Denim And Democratic ValuesAlongside pal Dakota Johnson, Jennifer Lawrence this week telegraphed her political allegiance in cloth: a camouflage cap embroidered with the surnames of Kamala Harris and Tim Walz.
Read more »
Dakota Johnson steps out with Chris Martin's ex Jennifer Lawrence after THOSE split rumorsDakota Johnson and Chris Martin stay mum on engagement rumors as they are barely recognizable in Aspen.Chris held onto Dakota's hands as she almost slipped on the snow.
Read more »