Thune reelected as Senate Republican leader

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(The Center Square) – The Senate Republican Conference reelected U.S. Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., as the chamber’s Republican leader.

Currently the Senate Majority Leader, Thune will assume the position of Senate minority leader in the 120th Congress, which begins in January.

A handful of Republican senators had fruitlessly tried Tuesday to stall the leadership elections, arguing that lawmakers needed more time to reassess after the party’s disastrous midterm elections performance, according to reports.

Democrats flipped at least 44 seats in the House and will hold at least 54 Senate seats next year.

“I appreciate 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 team has accomplished together, and we remain united in our commitment to advancing conservative priorities, working with President [Donald] Trump and our colleagues in the House, and holding the line against Democrats’ efforts to enact their far-left, liberal agenda,” Thune added.

“We have important work ahead of us, and I look forward to serving alongside my colleagues on behalf of the American people.”

As majority leader, Thune steered the chamber through multiple grueling Democrat-led government shutdown fights.

He received blowback from some Republicans for refusing to alter filibuster rules in order to force through Republicans’ signature voter ID bill, the SAVE America Act.

Other Senate Republicans currently holding leadership positions were also reelected.

Majority Whip John Barrasso, R-Wyo., will become the minority whip. Senate Republican Conference Chair Tom Cotton, R-Ark., and Vice Chair James Lankford, R-Okla., kept their positions. Policy Committee Chair Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va.; also kept her position.

Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, is replacing Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., as chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee after Scott stepped down.

Senate Democrats will likely hold their internal leadership elections in early December, according to reports.