WASHINGTON — Senate Republicans reelected Sen. John Thune of South Dakota to lead them when they lose their majority next year, even as their counterparts in the House of Representatives appointed a more firebrand figure after crushing losses in the midterms.
The decision, which was made Nov. 10 behind closed doors without an official tally, came after days of griping among some of Thune's counterparts about a need for a new direction in the GOP, particularly as it eyes a post-Trump era. There was a push among conservatives to delay the vote as they sought a plan for how Thune intended to handle the lame-duck session.
"We have 55 days until the Democrats take over," Sen. Rick Scott, R-Florida, one of the members who tried unsuccessfully to put
off the leadership contest, told USA TODAY. "I want to know what we’re going to do between now and then to get stuff done, because we’re not going to be in power for at least two years."
A private vote to postpone the leadership contest failed, however, on a 15 to 31 margin, according to a senior GOP aide. The South Dakota lawmaker's subsequently swift reelection signaled he still enjoys broad support among his colleagues.
Thune was instrumental in passing many of President Donald Trump's second-term priorities, especially the GOP's massive budget bill known as the "One Big, Beautiful Bill" Act. At the same time, he clashed with the president over the last two years on key issues, including expanding voting restrictions and eliminating the Senate's 60-vote threshold, known as the filibuster.
In a statement, Thune said he "appreciated the opportunity to have an open, honest and transparent conversation with my colleagues today."
"I am honored to have their continued trust," he said.
The vote of confidence for Thune came on the heels of a bruising election cycle last week that saw Senate Republicans lose not only their majority, but also typically safe red seats in states like Kansas and South Carolina.
"I told you over and over again exactly what was going to happen," Sen. Jim Justice, R-West Virginia, told reporters this week of the election results. He and other GOP lawmakers have since blamed party leaders, both in the White House and in Congress, for not doing more to prioritize issues affecting Americans and lower the cost of living.
"When you let the cost of health care for working people go through the roof, but you can't do anything for them on other issues of affordability, from fertilizer to gas and everything else.... You know what? The American public doesn't like that very much," Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Missouri, said.
Zachary Schermele is the congressional correspondent for USA TODAY. Reach him by email at zschermele@usatoday.com and on Signal @zachschermele.02. Follow him on X at @ZachSchermele.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: John Thune reelected to lead Senate Republicans despite midterm losses
