John Thune re-elected as US Senate Republican leader after midterm losses

The Republican ran unopposed, despite some GOP lawmaker demands to evaluate the party’s stinging midterm losses to Democrats. As they prepare to lose power, Republicans in the United States Senate have re-elected John Thune to lead their party during the final years of Donald Trump’s presidency.

“I appreciated the opportunity to have an open, honest, and transparent conversation with my colleagues today”, Thune said in a statement after the vote. “I am honored to have their continued trust and support to lead the Senate Republican Conference in the 120th Congress.” Unlike two years ago, when he competed against two of his fellow Republicans to replace outgoing Senator Mitch McConnell as the party’s Senate leader, Thune ran unopposed on Tuesday for the role.

Senator Josh Hawley told reporters after the vote that “maybe there would be” a challenger if Senate Republicans had waited longer.