Thune Takes Charge: What to Expect from the New GOP Leadership in the House and Senate

This week, Senate Republicans elected South Dakota Senator John Thune as the new Senate Majority Leader, replacing Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell after 18 years of service. Thune will succeed McConnell as leader beginning in January and McConnell will remain in Congress. 

On November 13, Thune was elected Senate Republican Conference leader in a closed-door caucus vote, securing the majority leadership role. Thune won on the second ballot, defeating Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) by a vote of 29-24. Despite a strong show of support for Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) from Trump allies and MAGA influencers such as Elon Musk, Scott struggled to gain traction with his fellow Republicans and was eliminated on the first ballot. 

What to Know About the New Senate Majority Leader

Thune is currently the Senate’s number two leader and was seen as the frontrunner for the leadership role leading up to the caucus meeting. He first entered the Senate in 2005, defeating Democratic Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle in a historic upset, which marked the first time an incumbent floor leader was ousted since 1952. Thune has held the number two position as minority whip since 2021, after serving as majority whip from 2019 to 2020. He also served as Senate Republican Conference chair from 2012 to 2019.

Though Thune has supported Trump’s policies, his relationship with the former president became strained following his criticism of Trump’s attempts to overturn the 2020 election results. Thune condemned Trump’s efforts to disrupt the peaceful transfer of power, leading to public backlash from Trump. Earlier this week Thune urged President-elect Trump not to get involved in the Senate leadership elections, and let the closed door process play out. However, the two have since worked to repair their relationship, with Thune pledging to cooperate with Trump.

Thune is expected to prioritize party unity and advancing the GOP’s platform, including tax cuts and increased defense spending. He has also committed to regular meetings with House Speaker Mike Johnson and Vice President JD Vance. Thune has promised to maintain the legislative filibuster, a position that may spark contention with Democrats.

Other New Members of Republican Leadership

With McConnell stepping down, the Senate GOP leadership has undergone significant changes. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) was elected unopposed to succeed Thune as the new whip. Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) won the Conference Chair position, defeating Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)  by a vote of 35-18. 

Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) replaced Ernst as the chair of the Republican Policy Committee, running unopposed, while Senator James Lankford (R-OK) was elected vice chair of the conference. Lastly, Senator Tim Scott will take over as chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee.

House Leadership Updates

With the GOP retaining control of the House, the party will maintain a trifecta in Washington, holding the White House, Senate, and House. Leadership positions in the House remain unchanged: Mike Johnson (R-LA-04) will continue as Speaker of the House, Steve Scalise (R-LA-01) will serve as Majority Leader, and Tom Emmer (R-MN-06) will remain Majority Whip. 

Committee Leadership Changes

As dynamics in the House and Senate change, here is a look a few projections for key committee leadership positions: 

House of Representatives

Appropriations Committee

• Potential GOP leadership: Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK-04)

• Potential DEM leadership: Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03)

Energy and Commerce Committee

• Potential GOP leadership: Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-KY-02) or Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH-05)

• Potential DEM leadership: Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ-06)

Natural Resources Committee 

• Potential GOP leadership: Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-AK-04) 

• Potential DEM leadership: Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-AZ-07)

Ways and Means Committee

• Potential GOP leadership: Rep. Jason Smith (R-MO-08)

• Potential DEM leadership: Rep. Richard Neal (D-MA-01)

Senate

Appropriations Committee

• Potential GOP leadership: Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) or Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY)

• Potential DEM leadership: Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA)

Energy and Natural Resources Committee

• Potential GOP leadership: Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY) or Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT)

• Potential DEM leadership: Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM)

Environment and Public Works Committee

• Potential GOP leadership: Sen. Shelly Moore Capito (R-WV)

• Potential DEM leadership: Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Sen. Jeff Merkley

Finance Committee 

• Potential GOP leadership: Sen. Mike Crapo (R-ID)

• Potential DEM leadership: Sen. Ron Widen (R-OR)