U.S. Senate Republicans elected John Thune of South Dakota to be the Majority Leader starting in January, opting for a seasoned and well-respected lawmaker despite pressure by supporters of Donald Trump to pick someone willing to toe the MAGA line.

Sen. John Thune​ of South Dakota won on the second round of voting against Sen. John Cornyn​ of Texas in the race for Senate Republican leader.

Senate Republicans returned to Washington for the first time since they secured the Senate majority to determine who will be the new party leader in the chamber.