After the Republican takeover as the majority party in the United States Senate, on Wednesday, the Senate Republicans voted via secret ballot to select their new majority leader. Kentucky Senator and minority leader Mitch McConnell announced in February that he would step down as leader in November. Texas Senator and former majority whip John Cornyn, South Dakota Senator and current minority whip John Thune, and Florida Senator Rick Scott stepped up to run for the coveted leadership position.

Sen. Thune won the vote for the leadership role after a second round of ballots. According to Fox News journalist Ryan Schmelz, the first ballot eliminated Scott from the running, leaving Thune and Cornyn with the majority of the votes.

From Colleague Ryan Schmelz:
Thune - 23
Cornyn - 15
Scott - 13

— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) November 13, 2024

The second round of votes produced Thune as the victor in the leadership stakes.

Thune wins Majority Leader race

— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) November 13, 2024

Florida Sen. Rick Scott did a great deal of lobbying the public on legacy and new media, and on social media. Certain influencers and senators took to X to also lobby for Scott's leadership candidacy. 

Exemplifying grace in his victory, Thune posted to X, calling for unity and commitment to the work ahead.

Honored to serve as the next U.S. Senate majority leader. pic.twitter.com/zq9XLrPDUr

— Senator John Thune (@SenJohnThune) November 13, 2024

I am extremely honored to have earned the support of my colleagues 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. This Republican team is united behind President Trump's agenda, and our work starts today.