South Dakota Sen. John Thune set to become majority leader

In a rebuke of Elon Musk, Senate Republicans have elected South Dakota Sen. John Thune (R) as Republican Senate leader and is now set to become the Senate majority leader come January.

“I am extremely honored to have earned the support to lead the Senate in the 119th Congress, and I am beyond proud of the work we have done to secure our majority and the White House,” Thune said in a statement. “This Republican team is united behind President Trump’s agenda, and our work starts today.”

Thune will replace Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell, who has been GOP Senate leader since 2007. President-elect Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk had openly preferred Florida Sen. Rick Scott for the position. 

Thune has been in office since 2005 and is seen by some as an institutionalist. Over the years, he’s built a reputation for a steady, pragmatic approach to governance, often working behind the scenes with Democrats to broker agreements and maintain stability within Congress. Thune is known for prioritizing the long-term health of the Senate and its procedures, rather than seeking short-term political gains. Thune’s election is likely a mild reprieve for Democrats, who will be in the minority. 

Thune’s election also could be a thorn in the side of the incoming Trump administration. Thune, like McConnell, has been vocally skeptical of Trump. Following the release of the infamous Access Hollywood tape in 2016 in which Trump describes sexually assaulting women, Thune was one of the highest-ranking Republicans to call for his removal from the ballot. Thune has also vocally condemned the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol and did not participate in Trump’s attempts to overturn the 2020 election.