Small-state senator takes control of Republican Senate leadership
South Dakotaʼs long-serving senator wins top Republican position in unexpected victory. Traditional coalition-building helps defeat rivals from larger states in secret-ballot election
In a surprise move the Republican party chose its new Senate majority leader from Americas fourth-smallest state. John Thune of South Dakota – a long-time Senate veteran won the secret-ballot election despite his previous non-supportive stance towards the incoming president
The victory showcased old-school political skill-building: Thune put together a winning group starting with support from other small-state GOP members (which proved to be a smart move in getting votes). His win came as a set-back for senators from Texas and Florida who had more money and bigger state backing
The new majority leader brings about 20 years of Senate know-how to the role – making him a real DC insider but his ties to the next president arenʼt very strong. The selection shows how the party values experience over state size: South Dakota has less than 1-million people but its representative now leads Senate Republicans
