GOP Picks Senate Leader in New Election

Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota was reelected Tuesday as Republican leader by acclamation and will serve as minority leader when Democrats take control of the chamber in January. He ran unopposed despite a late push by some colleagues to delay leadership elections after Republicans lost at least seven seats in the midterms. The conference first voted 31-15 against postponement, then proceeded with the leadership slate.

Thune acknowledged the scale of the defeat, telling reporters the election result “was not what we hoped for” and that the party must internalize the message voters sent on the economy, inflation, and other issues. He said the conference would focus on affordability priorities and work with Democrats where possible while opposing what he described as more extreme proposals. Whip John Barrasso, Conference Chairman Tom Cotton, Policy Committee Chair Shelley Moore Capito, and Vice Chair James Lankford were all reelected. Sen. Bernie Moreno of Ohio will chair the National Republican Senatorial Committee.

Some conservatives, including Sen. Ron Johnson, had urged a delay so the conference could assess the losses before locking in leadership. Johnson walked out after the postponement effort failed. Other senators described Thune as popular and skilled at hearing differing viewpoints, a contrast they drew with his predecessor. Thune himself said he serves at the pleasure of the conference and would have stepped aside if challenged, but no opponent emerged.

The leadership team now faces the task of operating in the minority while the party regroups for 2028. Barrasso said the first step is to show the American people that Republicans heard their concerns and will make those priorities their own. The conference also discussed lame-duck priorities and whether to remain in session through the Thanksgiving recess.

Thune’s reelection came after a day of closed-door meetings in which members vented frustrations over the midterm results. The South Dakotan had previously told Axios he intended to seek another term even if Republicans lost the majority, viewing the Senate as a potential firewall. He has emphasized judicial and executive nominations if the House flips and investigations or impeachment efforts if Democrats control both chambers.

The vote by acclamation followed a voice vote after the delay motion failed. A source familiar with the proceedings said the postponement effort fell 15-31. Johnson later told reporters the party cannot continue with “business as usual” after such losses. Other members stressed unity and the need to move forward quickly so the conference can address unfinished business before the new Congress.

Thune has cultivated relationships across the conference and is viewed as more collaborative than Mitch McConnell. Oklahoma Sen. Jim Lankford said there is widespread support for the incumbent leader. The outcome leaves the same leadership structure in place heading into the minority, with only the NRSC chairmanship changing hands.

Republicans will need to decide how aggressively to contest Democratic priorities and whether to pursue bipartisan deals on issues such as affordability. Thune has signaled openness to working with the other party on matters where there is common ground while maintaining opposition to what he calls socialist-leaning proposals. The conference’s internal discussions also touched on how to regain voter trust after the midterms.

The reelection stabilizes leadership at a moment of significant electoral setback. It avoids a protracted fight that could have further divided the party heading into the lame-duck session. Thune’s team now turns to messaging that the GOP heard the electorate and will prioritize economic concerns.

No challenger stepped forward once the delay effort collapsed, and the conference moved promptly to affirm the existing team. The process concluded with Thune positioned to lead Republicans as they adjust to minority status. Members left the meetings emphasizing the importance of unity and a focus on the issues voters highlighted.