Senate Republicans have chosen Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., to continue on as their leader in the next Congress.
The entire Senate GOP leadership team was re-elected by acclamation during the closed-door conference meeting.
The move follows a slight delay, as several senators pushed for a discussion about the direction of the party, facing the new reality of a Democratic majority in the next session of Congress.
But in the end, Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., said Thune gave a “heartfelt speech” to colleagues before the vote, according to Politico.
“I appreciated the opportunity to have an open, honest, and transparent conversation with my colleagues today, and I am honored to have their continued trust and support to lead the Senate Republican Conference in the 120th Congress,” Thune said in a statement after the vote.
“I’m proud of what this Republican team has accomplished together, and we remain united in our commitment to advancing conservative priorities, working with President Trump and our colleagues in the House, and holding the line against Democrats’ efforts to enact their far-left, liberal agenda. We have important work ahead of us, and I look forward to serving alongside my colleagues on behalf of the American people,” he added.
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Written by staff reporters at Just the News. Zachery Schmidt is the digital editor of The Star News Network and contributed to this story.
Photo “John Thune” by John Thune.
