John Thune reelected US Senate Republican leader following midterm losses

WASHINGTON, Nov. 10 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Senate Republicans on Tuesday reelected John Thune to another two-year term as their leader, a week after their party suffered significant losses in the midterm elections.

"I appreciated the opportunity to have an open, honest, and transparent conversation with my colleagues today, and I am honored to have their continued trust and support to lead the Senate Republican Conference in the 120th Congress," Thune said in a statement posted on X.

"We remain united in our commitment to advancing conservative priorities, working with President (Donald) Trump and our colleagues in the House, and holding the line against Democrats' efforts to enact their far-left, liberal agenda," Thune added.

The vote was held by acclamation after Senate Republicans met behind closed doors in the Old Senate Chamber for much of the day, CBS News reported.

Thune, 65, has represented South Dakota in the Senate since 2005. He was first elected Senate majority leader following the 2024 elections, succeeding Mitch McConnell. Before that, Thune served as Senate Republican whip, the party's No. 2 position, under McConnell.

On the Democratic side, Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, a prominent progressive, said Tuesday that he would not support incumbent Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer as the party's leader when Democrats take control of the Senate in January. Speaking at a press conference, Sanders said last week's midterm elections were "about change."

In the Nov. 3 midterm elections, Democrats regained control of both chambers of the U.S. Congress and ushered in a "blue wave," or what some have called a "blue tsunami."

In the Senate, Democrats have already flipped seven seats and are expected to hold at least 54 seats when the 120th Congress convenes in January.