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DLNews Politics:

In a dramatic shake-up on Capitol Hill, Senate Republicans have chosen Senator John Thune of South Dakota to replace Mitch McConnell as their leader, concluding McConnell's record-setting 18-year tenure. The closed-door vote on Wednesday, cloaked in secrecy, revealed a Republican party grappling with internal divisions and a new direction as they prepare to usher in the 119th Congress.

Thune, the Senate Republican whip since 2019, emerged victorious over rivals Senator John Cornyn of Texas and Florida's Rick Scott in the nail-biting vote. Known for his steady rise through the ranks, Thune was first elected in 2004 and has held top roles such as chair of the Commerce Committee. His victory was won on the second ballot with a tight 29-24 split against Cornyn, while Scott, a candidate with MAGA backing, was eliminated in the first round after receiving 13 votes.

Thune expressed his gratitude to his colleagues: “I am extremely honored to have earned the support of my colleagues to lead the Senate in the 119th Congress. This Republican team is united behind President Trump’s agenda, and our work starts today.” Thune has balanced his support for Trump’s agenda with his political path, even famously dismissing Trump’s claims of election fraud in 2020.

The shift in leadership comes as Republicans regain Senate control, a victory that propels Thune into the position of majority leader for the next two years. His promise to accelerate President-elect Trump’s policy agenda signals a strong start, with Thune pledging to confirm Trump’s appointees swiftly and push forward vital legislative priorities. “The Senate Republican majority will work with President Trump to ensure the Senate calendar allows us to confirm his nominees and pass our shared agenda as quickly and as efficiently as possible,” he wrote in an op-ed for Fox News.

In a Tuesday night forum, senators evaluated the leadership candidates, with many keeping their decisions private until Wednesday’s vote. The win cements Thune's leadership of a party striving to unify, as he and Cornyn represent a traditionalist wing with extensive GOP relationships and institutional knowledge.