Senate Republicans elected John Thune (R-SD) on Wednesday to succeed Mitch McConnell as their leader, a position McConnell had held for 17 years. Thune’s victory marks a transition as McConnell, 82, steps down from the leadership. Thune, 63, was chosen over Rick Scott, a Trump ally who had campaigned on his close ties to the president-elect, reports ABC News.
Thune is the current Republican whip and a member of the Commerce Committee. He was seen as a steady, institutional figure with strong relationships within the party, according to Reuters. He won the leadership role after Scott was eliminated in the first round of voting.
Thune’s selection signals the party’s intention to stay united behind Donald Trump’s agenda, but it also suggests that the Senate may maintain some degree of independence from Trump’s influence, especially as Republicans aim to retake the White House and potentially both chambers of Congress in the 2024 elections, notes ABC.
The leadership race also saw strong support for Thune from Senate colleagues, despite Scott’s efforts to align himself closely with Trump’s agenda. However, Trump did not formally endorse any candidate, instead emphasizing that the new leader must support his policy goals, including using recess appointments to fill federal vacancies, notes Reuters.
By Leslie Stimson, Inside Towers Washington Bureau Chief
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