Senate Republicans have picked South Dakota Sen. John Thune as the Senate Majority Leader for the upcoming Congress under President-elect Donald Trump, while House Republicans have nominated Speaker Mike Johnson for another term.
The new Congress will be convened in January with a 53-47 GOP majority in the Senate, and Thune aims to guide Trump’s agenda through the chamber based on a mandate from the American people.
The big picture: Thune, replacing current GOP leader Mitch McConnell, is known for his popularity among GOP members and experience in Senate GOP leadership, including serving as the No.2 GOP leader.
- Johnson, who took over as Speaker last fall, faces challenges within his own party as some blocked bills and threatened his leadership due to cooperation with Democrats on legislation.
Driving the news: The GOP leadership elections coincided with Trump’s visit to Washington, where he had discussions with Republicans and met with President Biden in the Oval Office, emphasizing unity and moving forward with the GOP agenda.
- Top leaders are also planning to advance Trump’s tax cuts and other legislative priorities, using budget reconciliation to renew expiring tax breaks and lower corporate tax rates, alongside addressing energy and immigration issues.
What they’re saying: Thune highlighted the Senate’s role in confirming Trump’s Cabinet nominees in January, indicating a desire for a cooperative process with Democrats while upholding the legislative filibuster and minority party involvement.
- “This Republican team is united. We are one team, we are excited to reclaim the majority and get to work with our colleagues in the House to enact President Trump’s agenda,” Thune said after the vote. “We have a mandate from the American people – a mandate not only to clean up the mess left by the Biden-Harris-Schumer agenda, but also to deliver on President Trump’s priorities.”
What we’re watching: In the House, Johnson still seeks confirmation in January despite winning the GOP conference vote, with potential challenges in achieving a majority of votes from all House members depending on the final balance of seats.
- The GOP looks likely to maintain control of the House, with pending results from California and Arizona races hinting at a narrow majority and potential vacancies due to lawmakers joining Trump’s administration, triggering special elections in solidly red districts.
