John Thune elected by Republicans to lead the Senate

November 13, 2024 - WASHINGTON, D.C. The Republicans in the U.S. Senate have voted to make Sen. John Thune (R-South Dakota) the new leader of the Senate Republicans – replacing Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky). Thune was selected over Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Sen. Rick Scott (R-Florida). U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-Alabama) and Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama) both supported Scott – who was the favorite of conservative activists and many conservative podcasters and radio pundits.

Britt released a statement after the Senate voted to elect the next Senate Republican Leader.

"I have tremendous respect for my three colleagues who ran to serve as the next Senate Republican Leader," said Sen. Britt. "Heading into Senator Mike Lee's forum on Tuesday evening, I reiterated I was looking for a leader who'd significantly overhaul how the Senate has been operating and make it actually work for the American people. I urged candidates to showcase the ability to successfully advance President Trump's agenda through Congress; a commitment to restore regular order in the appropriations process and end omnibuses; and a plan to empower committees and decentralize power within the chamber."

"Following that forum and the multiple conversations I've had recently with each of the candidates, I cast my vote for Senator Rick Scott on the first ballot," said Britt. "Throughout this process, I proudly kept my promise to put Alabama's values, people, and priorities first. Now, it's time to rally behind Senator Thune, come together as unified Senate Republicans, and hit the ground running to advance President Trump's agenda and deliver real results for the American people."

While conservative activists preferred Scott, Thune has been the Majority Whip – the number 2 person in the Senate under McConnell. Tuberville and Britt were 2 of just 13 Senate Republicans supporting Scott who finished in third. Thune had 25 votes on the first ballot; while Cornyn had just 15. Thune emerged the victor on the final ballot.

"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 after the vote. "This Republican team is united behind President Trump's agenda, and our work starts today."

Cornyn had served as Senate Republican whip from 2013 to 2019 – the position that Thune holds now. McConnell has led the Senate Republicans for the last 18 years.

President-elect Donald J. Trump (R) did not endorse a candidate in the race. When the next Congress is sworn in on June 1 Thune will be the Senate Majority Leader after four seats flipped to Republican control in the November 5 general election.

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