Thune, 63, is considered a level-headed lawmaker and is generally respected by many of his Republican peers. He currently serves as the Senate's Republican second-in-command and will succeed 82-year-old Mitch McConnell,

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.