John Thune’s victory on a secret-ballot continued the long tradition, in both parties, of elevating small-state senators to the top jobs, banding together for self interest.

The Florida context From Florida Phoenix Betting markets figure Florida's Rick Scott is the odds-on favorite in the contest for Republican leader in the U.S. Senate. WASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump is making demands of the next Senate Republican leader ahead of a closed-door election this week,

The new Senate majority leader has been critical of the president-elect, but even conservative senators expressed confidence that he would work well with Trump.

The incoming Senate Republican majority made their very first major move, electing South Dakota Senator John Thune as their next leader. The Washington Post's Rhonda Colvin reports from the Capitol.

WASHINGTON—Republican senators chose John Thune of South Dakota as their new leader, in a vote that tested how much lawmakers want to shake things up as they enter an era defined by the populist energy that propelled President-elect Donald Trump back to the White House.

GOP Whip John Thune of South Dakota was elected by the Senate Republican Conference to succeed Mitch McConnell as leader in a secret election.

The South Dakotan will take over in January at the turn of the new Congress, when Republicans are expected to control the government trifecta.

U.S. Sen. John Thune of South Dakota was chosen by his peers to lead his Republican senators in the 119th U.S. Congress.