New Senate majority leader elected in an early test of Trump’s power

On By Littum

U.S. Sen. John Thune, (R-SD) speaks to reporters after the Senate Republicans’ weekly policy luncheon on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., March 6, 2024.

Bonnie Cash | Reuters

Republicans on Wednesday elected Sen. John Thune of South Dakota to be the Senate majority leader.

Thune defeated Texas Sen. John Cornyn and Florida Sen. Rick Scott to replace Sen. Mitch McConnell as GOP caucus leader.

Republicans must hold the majority in the Senate for the next two years, starting in early January. Democrats currently have majority control of the chamber.

This is breaking news. Please refresh for updates.