Senate Republicans are gathering behind closed doors to pick a new majority leader
1 month, 4 weeks ago

Senate Republicans are gathering behind closed doors to pick a new majority leader

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — Republican senators will gather behind closed doors Wednesday to decide who will replace longtime Senate leader Mitch McConnell and lead their new majority next year — a decision that could shape the future of the Senate, and the party, as Donald Trump reclaims the presidency. South Dakota Sen. John Thune, Texas Sen. John Cornyn and Florida Sen. Rick Scott have been scrambling to win the most votes in the secret ballot election, promising a new direction in the Senate even as they furiously compete for Trump’s favor. He was kind of tied down a little bit.” Tuberville said that whoever is chosen, he wants to make sure Trump “feels good about it.” No matter who wins, all three senators have shown they will defer to the incoming president as the leader of the party, and that they are willing to cede some of the Senate’s power to do so. “It’s a secret ballot and it’s a secret ballot for a reason,” said South Dakota Sen. Mike Rounds, who said early on he would support his home state colleague Thune.

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History of this topic

House and Senate majority leaders set the agenda for early weeks of a new Congress
1 week ago

House and Senate majority leaders set the agenda for early weeks of a new Congress

NPR  

House and Senate majority leaders set the agenda for early weeks of a new Congress The new Republican majorities in the House and Senate plan to move border legislation and cabinet confirmations first, with tax bills coming later this year. WALSH: Well, addressing border security was a Republican's top priority in the 2024 campaign, and the speaker made it clear …

New Majority Leader Thune kicks off Senate session with pledge to preserve filibuster
1 week ago

New Majority Leader Thune kicks off Senate session with pledge to preserve filibuster

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — New Senate Majority Leader John Thune is kicking off the new session with a promise to preserve the filibuster, saying in his first floor speech as leader that his priority will be to “ensure the Senate stays the Senate.” Thune, R-S.D., and Senate Republicans are taking power on Friday a little more than two weeks before Donald Trump …

7 GOP Senators Who Could Be On Donald Trump’s Naughty List
2 weeks, 4 days ago

7 GOP Senators Who Could Be On Donald Trump’s Naughty List

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING WASHINGTON — Donald Trump is making a naughty list and checking it twice. “Everybody toe the line, everybody line up,” Sen. Lisa Murkowski said at a conference earlier this month, characterizing Trump’s approach. “If they’re unreasonable, if they’re opposing somebody for political reasons or stupid reasons… I would say they probably would be primaried,” Trump said of …

In his final days as Republican leader, Mitch McConnell tries to put pressure on Trump
3 weeks, 4 days ago

In his final days as Republican leader, Mitch McConnell tries to put pressure on Trump

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell is now in his final …

Senior Republican plots 'scheme' to derail 4 Trump nominations: MSNBC's Katty Kay
4 weeks, 2 days ago

Senior Republican plots 'scheme' to derail 4 Trump nominations: MSNBC's Katty Kay

Raw Story  

According to MSNBC contributor Katty Kay, incoming Senate Majority Leader John Thune is working behind the scenes with his GOP colleagues to cripple the nominations of at least four of Donald Trump's nominees to his cabinet. With Rep. Matt Gaetz already having withdrawn his name for consideration to be the next attorney general, Kay reported to the "Morning Joe" panel …

GOP Drama: Cotton Blocks Cornyn for Senate Intelligence Chair
1 month ago

GOP Drama: Cotton Blocks Cornyn for Senate Intelligence Chair

Politico  

A spokesperson for Thune declined to comment. Asked if he expects to claim the gavel, Cotton on Tuesday said, “No comment.” On Tuesday night, Cotton spokeswoman Caroline Tabler said: “Senator Thune has told Senator Cotton he’s taking over as chair. Cornyn approached Cotton to take his temperature about the post last month after the leader race, I’m told by a …

'Last culling': MSNBC host expects midterms to rid GOP of senators not in MAGA 'lockstep'
1 month, 1 week ago

'Last culling': MSNBC host expects midterms to rid GOP of senators not in MAGA 'lockstep'

Raw Story  

The MAGA wing of the Republican Party has been successful in taking over the House of Representatives, but there are still those in the U.S. Senate who don't adore Donald Trump. But in two years, one-third of the Senate will be up for reelection again — and an MSNBC reporter thinks that could see a further culling of those not …

Rebel GOP senators begin to stand up against Trump plan
1 month, 2 weeks ago

Rebel GOP senators begin to stand up against Trump plan

Raw Story  

President-elect Donald Trump has threatened to use a process known as "recess appointments" if GOP senators give him a hard time with his more controversial administration picks, who range from anti-vaxxer conspiracy theorist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to head the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard — whose critics consider her an apologist for …

Senate GOP head delivers unwanted 'message to Trump team': report
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Senate GOP head delivers unwanted 'message to Trump team': report

Raw Story  

Donald Trump on Sunday got a potentially devastating message from the Senate GOP leader, according to a report. Trump prior to announcing his nomination of Matt Gaetz said Republican leaders need to be ready to consent to recess appointments to skip the process of confirmation, despite the fact that the GOP just won the majority in the body. But over …

Senate Democrats Face Pressure To Confirm Biden Nominees
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Senate Democrats Face Pressure To Confirm Biden Nominees

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING Donald Trump’s next presidency could usher in a dark time for labor unions, but there’s one way Democrats might limit his damage to the labor movement this time around. Senate Democrats have an opportunity to reconfirm Lauren McFerran, the chair of the National Labor Relations Board, to another term at the agency, ensuring a Democratic majority into …

Trump issues early challenge to GOP Senate with defiant nominations
1 month, 4 weeks ago

Trump issues early challenge to GOP Senate with defiant nominations

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — Just hours after Republican Sen. John Thune was elected as the incoming Senate majority leader on Wednesday, President-elect Donald Trump presented him with one of his first tests — an announcement that he intends to nominate controversial Rep. Matt Gaetz as attorney general. “I think it’s a little bit of a test,” said Republican Sen. Kevin Cramer of …

Senator John Thune elected Senate Majority Leader by Republicans: Trump’s allies must be pissed.
55 years ago

Senator John Thune elected Senate Majority Leader by Republicans: Trump’s allies must be pissed.

Slate  

South Dakota Sen. John Thune was elected Senate Republican leader on Wednesday, replacing Mitch McConnell in the role after his record-setting run of 18 years. “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.” Thune, who in the past …

Republicans gain control of both houses of Congress in huge boost to Trump
1 month, 4 weeks ago

Republicans gain control of both houses of Congress in huge boost to Trump

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Republicans will control both houses of Congress next year, giving …

Watch live: Senate Republicans speak for first time since John Thune elected Senate majority leader
1 month, 4 weeks ago

Watch live: Senate Republicans speak for first time since John Thune elected Senate majority leader

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Watch as the Senate Republicans speak for the first time …

GOP keeps control of House — handing Trump coveted trifecta
Trending News
1 month, 4 weeks ago

GOP keeps control of House — handing Trump coveted trifecta

Raw Story  

Republicans in Congress will hold onto the House of Representatives in a major victory that paves the way for President-elect Donald Trump to begin the first two years of his second term with his party controlling both chambers of Congress. The victory, called by CNN and NBC News Wednesday, is a worst-case scenario for Democrats still reeling from last week’s …

Republicans pick John Thune to be Senate majority leader - here’s what that means for Trump’s agenda
1 month, 4 weeks ago

Republicans pick John Thune to be Senate majority leader - here’s what that means for Trump’s agenda

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Senate Republicans nominated Senate Minority Whip John Thune of South …

John Thune is the new Senate majority leader
1 month, 4 weeks ago

John Thune is the new Senate majority leader

Hindustan Times  

Washington: John Thune is the new Senate majority leader, after defeating two Republicans in the leadership race, John Cornyn and Rick Scott, the last being the favourite of the Donald Trump ecosystem. Thune will succeed the veteran Mitch McConnell who shared a difficult relationship with Donald Trump announced his decision not to seek office earlier this year. A Senator from …

US Senate Republicans pick insider John Thune as next leader, reject Trump loyalist push
1 month, 4 weeks ago

US Senate Republicans pick insider John Thune as next leader, reject Trump loyalist push

Firstpost  

Republican senators have elected a well-regarded insider John Thune of South Dakota as their new leader, bypassing calls from Trump supporters for a loyalist US Sen. John Thune arrives for the Senate Republican leadership elections at the US Capitol on Wednesday in Washington, DC. AFP Republican senators have elected a well-regarded insider John Thune of South Dakota as their new …

Big GOP leadership change: John Thune named next Senate Republican leader
1 month, 4 weeks ago

Big GOP leadership change: John Thune named next Senate Republican leader

Live Mint  

US Senate Republicans have chosen John Thune to lead the chamber in the upcoming year. Senator John Thune wrote on X: "I am extremely honored to have earned the support of my colleagues to lead the Senate in the 119th Congress, and I am beyond proud of the work we have done to secure our majority and the White House. …

John Thune Will Be Senate’s New Republican Leader, Replacing Mitch McConnell
1 month, 4 weeks ago

John Thune Will Be Senate’s New Republican Leader, Replacing Mitch McConnell

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING WASHINGTON ― Senate Minority Whip John Thune was elected the next Senate Republican leader on Wednesday, ensuring Sen. Mitch McConnell’s right-hand man will lead the new GOP majority as President-elect Donald Trump begins his second White House term next year. “This Republican team is united behind President Trump’s agenda, and our work starts today,” he said. “We …

Senate Republicans choose new leader amid MAGA pressure campaign
Trending News
1 month, 4 weeks ago

Senate Republicans choose new leader amid MAGA pressure campaign

Raw Story  

Senate Republicans on Wednesday chose their next majority leader to replace Sen. Mitch McConnell and brought to a close an intense pressure campaign from President-elect Donald Trump's MAGA allies. Thune and Cornyn both boast lengthy tenures in the Senate, dating back to former President George W. Bush’s administration, and strong ties to the institutionalist wing of the GOP. Carlson mounted …

A look at the candidates vying to be the next Senate majority leader
1 month, 4 weeks ago

A look at the candidates vying to be the next Senate majority leader

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — In the first seriously contested Senate Republican leadership election in decades, three senators are vying to replace longtime GOP leader Mitch McConnell when he steps down from the post at the beginning of next year and Republicans take back the Senate majority. South Dakota Sen. John Thune, Texas Sen. John Cornyn and Florida Sen. Rick Scott have been …

With potential for sweeping control, Republicans pick their next leaders in Congress
Trending News
1 month, 4 weeks ago

With potential for sweeping control, Republicans pick their next leaders in Congress

NPR  

With potential for sweeping control, Republicans pick their next leaders in Congress toggle caption Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images Republicans have selected their party leaders for the next Congress under President-elect Donald Trump. Senate Republicans elected South Dakota Sen. John Thune to serve as Senate Majority Leader when the new Congress convenes in January. We are one team, we are excited to …

Republicans pick Thune over Trump loyalist as Senate majority leader
1 month, 4 weeks ago

Republicans pick Thune over Trump loyalist as Senate majority leader

Al Jazeera  

Republicans in the United States Senate picked veteran John Thune to be the chamber’s new leader, as lawmakers, scrambling to prepare for President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming administration, rejected his camp’s favoured candidate. Thune, who already holds a more junior leadership position, beat Texas Senator John Cornyn in a run-off vote to replace outgoing party leader Mitch McConnell. Thune’s win in …

Republican John Thune of South Dakota is elected the next Senate majority leader
1 month, 4 weeks ago

Republican John Thune of South Dakota is elected the next Senate majority leader

LA Times  

Republicans have elected South Dakota Sen. John Thune as the next Senate majority leader, completing a momentous shift in their leadership that will elevate a top deputy of Minority Leader Mitch McConnell into a key position before President-elect Donald Trump returns to the White House in January. If they both win their elections, Thune said, “we’ve got a job to …

Senate Republican leadership rivals rally behind Trump's recess appointment call
Trending News
1 month, 4 weeks ago

Senate Republican leadership rivals rally behind Trump's recess appointment call

India Today  

With the race underway to select the next Senate Republican leader, candidates like Senator John Thune, John Cornyn, and Rick Scott are actively backing President-elect Donald Trump’s demand for greater latitude in making recess appointments to key administration and judicial posts. Without these pro forma sessions, Trump would have the ability to make temporary appointments lasting until the end of …

Why Trump’s MAGA base wants Rick Scott for Republican Senate majority leader over his rivals.
Trending News
55 years ago

Why Trump’s MAGA base wants Rick Scott for Republican Senate majority leader over his rivals.

Slate  

Having taken the presidency last week in convincing fashion and having long possessed House Republicans by the throat, the MAGA movement this week turns its eyes to the Senate. John Thune, John Cornyn, and Rick Scott, intensified over the weekend as President-elect Donald Trump’s win reverberated through the caucus—and Trump’s most ardent MAGA supporters attempted to bully Republican senators into …

Trump demands next Senate leader allow him to bypass approval for cabinet appointments
2 months ago

Trump demands next Senate leader allow him to bypass approval for cabinet appointments

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Donald Trump called on Republican Senators vying for the majority …

Trump pressures candidates for Senate GOP leader to fill his Cabinet right away
2 months ago

Trump pressures candidates for Senate GOP leader to fill his Cabinet right away

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — Days before Senate Republicans pick their new leader, President-elect Donald Trump is pressuring the candidates to change the rules and empower him to appoint some nominees without a Senate vote. In a statement on X and Truth Social, Trump said that the next leader “must agree” to allow him to make appointments when the chamber is on recess, …

Elon Musk endorses Republican Rick Scott for US Senate majority leader
2 months ago

Elon Musk endorses Republican Rick Scott for US Senate majority leader

India Today  

Businessman Elon Musk, an ally of President-elect Donald Trump, endorsed Republican Senator Rick Scott for US Senate majority leader on Sunday as Trump pushed candidates for the influential post to help him make changes quickly after his party won control of the chamber. Current Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, who has led his party in the chamber since 2007, is …

Trump calls on GOP senators vying to be majority leader to agree to recess appointments
2 months ago

Trump calls on GOP senators vying to be majority leader to agree to recess appointments

CNN  

CNN — President-elect Donald Trump is demanding Republican senators vying to be majority leader support recess appointments for his nominees — a way for presidents to essentially bypass Congress that has recently been blocked by the minority party. All three senators running in this week’s secret-ballot election quickly signaled support for the idea, even though Democrats could filibuster motions to …

Republicans Win Control Of The Senate
2 months ago

Republicans Win Control Of The Senate

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING Republicans have won control of the U.S. Senate in a huge blow to Democrats who were dragged down by perceptions of the economy and an unpopular incumbent in the White House. “As a new Republican Senate majority, our focus will be to take on an agenda that reflects America’s priorities — lower prices, less spending, secure borders, …

Senate Republicans will choose first new leader in nearly 20 years
2 months ago

Senate Republicans will choose first new leader in nearly 20 years

NPR  

Senate Republicans will choose first new leader in nearly 20 years toggle caption Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images; Samuel Corum/Getty Images The only thing close to certain about the next Senate Republican leader is they will likely be named John. The top two candidates vying to replace Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., as Senate leader are Sens. Thune, as the current second-highest-ranking Republican, …

Senate GOP leaders refuse to commit to allowing Harris SCOTUS nominees up or down vote
3 months, 1 week ago

Senate GOP leaders refuse to commit to allowing Harris SCOTUS nominees up or down vote

Raw Story  

Senators most likely to succeed Republican Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, the former Senate Majority Leader, are already suggesting a policy of obstruction, refusing to commit to even allowing an up or down confirmation vote on any of Vice President Kamala Harris's potential Supreme Court nominees if she wins the White House and should the GOP take back control of the …

South Dakota Sen. John Thune jumps into race to succeed McConnell as Senate leader
10 months ago

South Dakota Sen. John Thune jumps into race to succeed McConnell as Senate leader

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — South Dakota Sen. John Thune is entering the race to be the next Republican leader of the U.S. Senate once Sen. Mitch McConnell steps away from the post in November. He told another local news outlet, Dakota News Now, that McConnell stepping down is “a chance for a reset and I’d like to be a part of it.” …

Texas Sen. Cornyn announces run for GOP leader as scramble to succeed McConnell begins in the Senate
10 months, 1 week ago

Texas Sen. Cornyn announces run for GOP leader as scramble to succeed McConnell begins in the Senate

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — Texas Sen. John Cornyn has informed his colleagues that he intends to run for Senate Republican leader, becoming the first senator to announce a campaign after Sen. Mitch McConnell said he will step down from the post in November. “And I am confident Senate Republicans can restore our institution to the essential role it serves in our constitutional …

Texas Sen. Cornyn announces run to succeed McConnell as GOP leader
10 months, 1 week ago

Texas Sen. Cornyn announces run to succeed McConnell as GOP leader

LA Times  

Sen. John Cornyn, who served as Mitch McConnell’s No. “And I am confident Senate Republicans can restore our institution to the essential role it serves in our constitutional republic.” There has long been speculation that Cornyn, South Dakota Sen. John Thune and Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso — the “three Johns” — would all vie to replace McConnell if and when …

McConnell prepares for a busy month amid scrutiny over his ability to lead
1 year, 4 months ago

McConnell prepares for a busy month amid scrutiny over his ability to lead

NPR  

McConnell prepares for a busy month amid scrutiny over his ability to lead ARI SHAPIRO, HOST: Senators are back to work in Washington today, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Republican of Kentucky. And there's intense scrutiny around McConnell, his health and his ability to lead. You know, Monahan also said he is not recommending any changes to McConnell's treatment …

Who would replace Mitch McConnell if he stands down?
1 year, 4 months ago

Who would replace Mitch McConnell if he stands down?

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Mr McConnell held the minority leader’s role until …

Schumer reelected Senate leader after Dems expand majority
2 years, 1 month ago

Schumer reelected Senate leader after Dems expand majority

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — Sen. Chuck Schumer was unanimously elected Thursday for another term as Senate Democratic leader, helming a bolstered 51-seat majority for a new era of divided government in Congress but intent on “getting things done” for the country. Schumer’s reelection puts two New Yorkers at the top of the Democratic leadership in Congress, alongside Rep. Hakeem Jefferies, the incoming …

Republicans Are In Total Disarray After The 2022 Midterms
2 years, 1 month ago

Republicans Are In Total Disarray After The 2022 Midterms

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING Their disappointing performance in this week’s midterm elections has landed the Republican Party in a big mess. “I don’t think that vision was adequately provided by multiple folks on top of our party.” Before the election, McCarthy and his leadership team pitched a “Commitment to America” that they said would cure inflation, make the country safe and …

GOP’s Senate campaign chief won’t back down from party fight
2 years, 9 months ago

GOP’s Senate campaign chief won’t back down from party fight

Associated Press  

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Rick Scott likes to think of himself as Gen. Ulysses S. Grant during the Civil War. “I’m going to keep doing what I believe in whether everybody agrees with me or not.” For now, what Scott believes is directly at odds with the wishes of Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell. Political consultant Curt Anderson, who has advised …

As South Dakota campaigns launch, Thune mulls retirement
3 years ago

As South Dakota campaigns launch, Thune mulls retirement

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy South Dakota political candidates are revving into full campaign mode …

GOP objects to Biden nominees, a sign of what's to come
4 years, 1 month ago

GOP objects to Biden nominees, a sign of what's to come

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Under leader Mitch McConnell, the Republican senators will hold great sway in confirming Biden’s …

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