South Dakota Sen. John Thune jumps into race to succeed McConnell as Senate leader

WASHINGTON (AP) — South Dakota Sen. John Thune is entering the race to be the next Republican leader of the U.S. Senate after Sen. Mitch McConnell steps away from the post in November.

Thune is currently the No. 2 Senate Republican. He says he hopes to be the next leader and will do everything he can to convince his colleagues to support him.

His announcement sets up an expected race with Texas Sen. John Cornyn, who held the No. 2 leadership post until he was term-limited five years ago. Other senators may also jump into the contest.

March 5, 2024