US Senate Republicans pick insider John Thune as next leader over Trump ally Rick Scott

The South Dakota lawmaker’s victory is a sign the Senate might retain some degree of independence from Trump next year

Reading Time:3 minutes

Republican lawmaker John Thune currently serves as the US Senate’s No 2 leader. Photo: TNS

Published: 1:35am, 14 Nov 2024Updated: 11:40am, 14 Nov 2024

Republicans on Wednesday chose South Dakota senator John Thune to lead the Senate for at least the next two years, opting for a seasoned institutionalist and dismissing a campaign by supporters of President-elect Donald Trump to pick a loyalist for the position.

Thune’s win signals that the chamber could retain some independence from Trump, including on China and foreign policy, as Republicans prepare to control the White House and both chambers of Congress come January.

Republicans will hold at least 52 seats in the 100-seat Senate, and are projected to keep their majority in the House of Representatives.

Thune is an experienced legislator with nearly two decades in the US Senate and close relationships with many of his Republican colleagues.

As the Senate minority whip, the 63-year-old held the second-highest position in the Republican Party. Thune will replace 82-year-old Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the longest serving party leader in Senate history.

Thune was picked in a three-way contest with Senator John Cornyn of Texas, another veteran institutionalist, and Senator Rick Scott of Florida, a Trump ally supported by prominent outsiders like tech mogul Elon Musk.