Following the Republican takeover of the U.S. Senate, Senate Republicans held a secret ballot on Wednesday to choose their new majority leader. In February, Kentucky Senator and outgoing minority leader Mitch McConnell announced he would step down from the role in November. Senators John Cornyn of Texas, John Thune of South Dakota, the current minority whip, and Rick Scott of Florida all entered the race for the influential leadership position.
After a second ballot, Sen. Thune was elected to the position of leader. Ryan Schmelz of Fox News reported that the first round eliminated Scott, leaving Thune and Cornyn with the majority of votes.
Thune was voted the winner of the second round in the race for the top spot.
Florida Senator Rick Scott spent a lot of time lobbying on the legacy media and social media. Certain senators and influencers used X to lobby for Scott’s candidacy.
Thune, a man of grace, posted a message to X calling for unity and commitment in the work to come.
I am incredibly proud to have my colleagues’ support in leading the Senate during the 119th Congress. I also feel honored that we were able to gain our majority, as well as the White House. Our work begins today. This Republican team is unified behind President Trump’s plan.
