Sen. John Thune hopes to succeed McConnell as Senate GOP leader

Republican Sen. John Thune of South Dakota has indicated that he is hoping to become Senate GOP leader.

Asked whether he wants to become Senate majority or minority leader, Thune indicated to KELOLAND News that he does hope to serve in the leadership post.

Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), who has been serving as either Senate minority leader or Senate majority leader since 2007, has announced that his current term as Senate GOP leader will be his last in the leadership post.

Thune, who has been serving in the Senate for more than 19 years, is currently Senate Republican whip.

Sen. John Cornyn of Texas is also aiming to succeed McConnell.

Like McConnell, Cornyn and Thune were among the group of Senate Republicans who last month voted in favor of a measure that would, in part, provide for the U.S. to supply additional aid to Ukraine.

Sen. Rick Scott of Florida, who unsuccessfully challenged McConnell for the leadership role in 2022, said in a statement issued last week, "I have been very clear and have long believed that we need new leadership in the Senate that represents our voters and the issues we were sent here to fight for. As everyone knows, I challenged Leader McConnell in 2022. This is an opportunity to refocus our efforts on solving the significant challenges facing our country and actually reflect the aspirations of voters."

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