Senator John Thune, a longstanding critic of Donald Trump, is set to take over as the new Republican leader in the Senate, edging out Senator John Cornyn in a closely watched leadership vote. Thune’s win marks the end of Mitch McConnell’s historic tenure as GOP leader, a legacy rooted in strategic pragmatism—and, some would say, an unmatched talent for holding power.
While Thune’s victory suggests a new direction, his less-than-cozy relationship with Trump could stir up fresh challenges within the party’s ranks. The election saw candidates spar over how to elevate the Senate’s conservative voice, with questions about Trump-era policies lingering in the background.
While Thune’s victory suggests a new direction, his less-than-cozy relationship with Trump could stir up fresh challenges within the party’s ranks. The election saw candidates spar over how to elevate the Senate’s conservative voice, with questions about Trump-era policies lingering in the background.