Sen. John Thune (R-SD) was elected the Majority Leader of the US Senate for the next Congress. This came after a race that included Thune, Rick Scott (R-FL), and John Cornyn (R-TX). Of these, Thune was the most estranged from Trump, actually supporting Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) for President in the 2024 GOP primaries. There was a surge of lobbying by those in the MAGA camp for Rick Scott in the final days of the leadership campaign, but it seemed to do nothing in persuading enough members.
According to Thune’s office, “U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today released the following statement after being elected by his colleagues to serve as majority leader of the U.S. Senate in the 119th Congress:
“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,’ said Thune. ‘This Republican team is united behind President Trump’s agenda, and our work starts today.”
Meanwhile current Majority Leader Mitch McConnell stated ”
“John Thune’s election is a clear endorsement of a consummate leader. The confidence our colleagues have placed in John’s legislative experience and political skill is well deserved.
“The American people elected Republicans to restore stability and order after four years of Washington Democrats’ failure. John Thune will take the reins with a tremendous opportunity to lead this transformation, and Senate Republicans stand behind him, ready to get to work.”
Senator John Thune, a Republican from South Dakota, has served in the U.S. Senate since 2005, representing a deeply conservative constituency. Known for his work on agricultural, trade, and regulatory issues, Thune has been a vocal advocate for rural communities, prioritizing policies that benefit farmers, ranchers, and small businesses. His political career began with two terms in the U.S. House of Representatives (1997-2003) before he unseated Democratic Senate Leader Tom Daschle in a pivotal 2004 race, marking him as a rising star within the GOP.
The newly elected Senate Majority Leader, Thune, has held influential positions, including as Senate Republican Whip, the second-highest position in Senate GOP leadership, which he assumed in 2019. Thune is widely respected for his calm demeanor and is often seen as a bridge-builder within his party, able to balance traditional conservative values with a pragmatic approach to governance. A proponent of limited government and fiscal responsibility, Thune has worked to advance tax reform, infrastructure improvements, and national defense initiatives.
Hailing from a family with deep South Dakota roots, Thune holds a degree in business from Biola University and an MBA from the University of South Dakota. His mild-mannered style and focus on policy over rhetoric have made him a trusted figure among Republicans, positioning him as a key influencer on legislative priorities within the Senate.
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