John Thune Elected Senate Republican Leader in Tight Race | 13 Nov 2024 | [Deep-state dirt-bag] Sen. John Thune will replace Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) as Republican Senate Majority Leader after a close contest Wednesday that took two ballots to resolve. Thune, McConnell's top deputy and an establishment favorite, must guide a conference hungry for changes after McConnell's iron grip. He's also tasked for guiding President Donald Trump's agenda through the Senate, advancing his nominees swiftly and moving Trump's aggressive legislative agenda. Thune received 23 votes on the first ballot -- four short of locking up a victory. Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) received 15, and Sen. Rick Scott 13.