Thune Outlasts Cornyn, Scott, Wins Senate Majority Leader Position

Senator John Thune (R-SD) has become the leader of the Senate Republican Conference for the upcoming 119th Congress and possibly beyond. He outlasted Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) and Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) for the position. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) led the Senate Republican Conference since 2007. He announced his resignation in late February.

Sens. Cornyn and Thune served under Leader McConnell as Senate Republican whips during different congresses.

Last week, Sen. Thune appeared on Fox News and provided his thoughts on the race for Senate Majority Leader.

“Leadership elections are secret ballot elections, so it’s a small constituency, so we’re all making the contacts obviously in doing our best to persuade and convince our colleagues that each of us is the right person for the job. So those conversations continue,” said Sen. Thune.

“I think however that comes out next week we obviously need to able to work closely with a Trump administration, hopefully with a Republican House, on an agenda that’s good for this country, Sen. Thune said.

Sen. Scott vowed to be the "change" candidate and was confident he would eventually carry the Trump "mandate" into the United States Senate.

“I’m going to run, and I’m going to win,” said Sen. Scott on Fox Business’ “Kudlow” the day after the election.

“And here’s why: I’ve been talking to my Republican colleagues, guess what? They want change. They know that Trump has a mandate, they want to be part of that mandate. They want to be treated as equals, they want to be part of a team, they want to have a working relationship with the House,” said Sen. Scott.

He continued, touting his connections with President-elect Donald Trump (R) and his business acumen.

“They know I have a great working relationship with Trump, with Speaker Mike Johnson, they know I’m a business guy. Business guys get things done. We create a plan, we work our mission, we measure things, we create teams,” said Sen. Scott. “That’s exactly what we want in the Senate, and that’s why I’ll be the next majority leader and we’re going to get Trump’s agenda accomplished.”

However, Sen. Cornyn touted his own record and stated that he has “learned what works and what does not” during his time in the upper chamber.

“From my experience both as Whip advancing President Trump’s agenda through the Senate to serving as a rank-and-file member now, I have learned what works and what does not,” said Sen. Cornyn. “We will restore the important role of Senate committees and reestablish the regular appropriations process.”

Sen. Thune will have a 53-47 majority to work with as he leads the GOP conference in the upper chamber.