Washington: Republican senators have elected John Thune of South Dakota as their new leader, replacing Mitch McConnell. In the second-ballot round, Thune secured a majority with 29 votes from his colleagues, while his opponent, John Cornyn of Texas, received 24 votes, AP news agency reported.
Thune, who currently serves as the minority whip, the second-highest-ranking position among Republicans, is set to become the majority leader in January, once newly-elected GOP senators take their seats and the party regains control of the Senate, after they secured 53 seats in last week’s elections..
The 63-year-old, who is serving his fourth term in the Senate, has pledged to collaborate closely with Trump, despite the differences they have had over the years.
