Republicans choose John Thune as new Senate Majority leader

Thune elected as Senate Majority leader

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(ABC 6 News) — Senate Republicans have chosen a new Senate Majority leader to replace the outgoing Mitch McConnell.

Senator John Thune of South Dakota was elected in a closed door ballot, winning by just five votes against Texas Senator John Cornyn.

Trump ally, Republican Senator Rick Scott, was defeated in the first round of voting.

In a statement, Thune said he was “extremely honored” and confirmed his party stands behind the incoming president.