Senate Republicans Reelect John Thune as Minority Leader

Senate Republicans reelected John Thune and Whip John Barrasso unopposed in a closed-door vote on Tuesday to lead the party in the 120th Congress. The election follows midterm losses that stripped the GOP of its majority in the Senate.

Some senators, including Josh Hawley, Ron Johnson, and Rick Scott, attempted to delay the leadership vote to reflect on election results and change the party's course, but the effort failed. Thune pledged to extend the lame-duck session through November and December to maximize the approval of legislation and the confirmation of nominees before Democrats assume power in January. He stated the party will focus more intently on voters' concerns, specifically the cost of living.

In the House of Representatives, Republicans elected Jim Jordan as House Minority Leader for the upcoming Congress. This transition follows the announcement by Speaker Mike Johnson that he would not seek a leadership position in the new Congress.