The South Dakota Republican failed in his first try for the Senate but came back to defeat a chamber leader. Now he will be the leader himself.

After 18 years of Mitch McConnell, Senate Republicans officially have a new top dog: South Dakota Senator John Thune will step into the Majority Leader role at the beginning of next year, after being selected by his colleagues Wednesday.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican senators are gathering behind closed doors Wednesday (Nov. 13, 2024) to decide who will replace longtime Senate leader Mitch McConnell and lead their new majority next year — a decision that could shape the future of the Senate, and the party, as Donald Trump reclaims the presidency.