Republicans have recently chosen new leadership in both the Senate and House in preparation for the next Congress. In the Senate, South Dakota Senator John Thune has been elected as the majority leader, succeeding Mitch McConnell, who chose to step down.
Thune, who narrowly defeated Texas Senator John Cornyn and Florida Senator Rick Scott, expressed commitment to advancing President Donald Trump’s policy agenda, focusing on border security, deregulation, and energy policy.
Additional changes in Senate GOP leadership include Wyoming Senator John Barrasso as the assistant majority leader, Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton as conference chair, West Virginia Senator Shelley Moore Capito as Republican Policy Committee chair, Oklahoma Senator James Lankford as conference vice chair, and South Carolina Senator Tim Scott as chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee.
Thune emphasized that the Senate GOP will work on confirming Trump’s nominees swiftly, although he did not confirm if they would recess the Senate to allow for recess appointments as requested by Trump.
He also highlighted his commitment to serving the entire Republican Conference and fostering consensus.
In the House, Representative Mike Johnson of Louisiana is once again the GOP’s nominee for Speaker, while Steve Scalise and Tom Emmer were reelected as House Republican leader and whip, respectively.
Michigan Representative Lisa McClain won the role of conference chairwoman, succeeding Elise Stefanik. Other House leadership roles include Indiana Representative Erin Houchin as conference secretary, Utah Representative Blake Moore as conference vice chairman, Oklahoma Representative Kevin Hern as policy chairman, and North Carolina Representative Richard Hudson continuing as chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee.
House leadership emphasized readiness to implement their legislative agenda immediately in January, with Johnson noting the GOP’s prepared strategy for a productive Congress, and Emmer acknowledging potential challenges but a commitment to unity.