Senate Republicans reelected Sen. John Thune their leader
Senate Republicans reelected Sen. John Thune of South Dakota as their leader Tuesday, keeping him at the helm as they prepare to enter the minority in the next Congress. Republicans lost at least seven Senate seats in the midterm elections, costing them their majority.
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Some senators sought to delay the leadership vote, but the effort failed 31-15, Axios reported, citing people familiar with the private tally. Fox Baltimore reported that Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, who backed a delay, left the meeting afterward.
Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas announced that Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming would remain whip, Cotton conference chair, Sen. Shelley Moore Capito policy committee chair and Sen. James Lankford conference vice chair. Sen. Bernie Moreno of Ohio will replace Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina as chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee.
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- The Hill — John Thune wins re-election as Senate Republican leader after caucus clash
- CBS News — Thune reelected as Senate GOP leader after brutal midterm losses
- Axios — John Thune reelected as Senate GOP leader despite midterm angst
- PBS News (with Associated Press) — Senate Republicans vote to keep Thune as leader after election wipeout
- MS NOW — John Thune, other leaders re-elected to represent Senate Republicans in minority
- Roll Call — Thune will lead Republicans through the minority
- foxbaltimore.com — Thune re-elected as Senate Republican leader after midterm election losses