John Thune Elected New Senate Republican Leader, Replacing Mitch McConnell

In a pivotal shift within Senate leadership, South Dakota’s John Thune has been elected as the new leader of Senate Republicans, succeeding Kentucky’s Mitch McConnell. Thune’s election comes after a closely contested race in Washington, where he faced Texas Senator John Cornyn in a final vote following the elimination of Florida Senator Rick Scott in the first round. This leadership change signifies a generational shift within the GOP’s upper chamber ranks and brings a new dynamic to the Republican approach in the Senate.

The vote, held. . .