In a momentous shift of power within the GOP, South Dakota Senator John Thune has been elected as the next Senate majority leader, replacing Mitch McConnell. Thune promised to work closely with President-elect Donald Trump, despite their past differences, and will play a crucial role in enacting Trump's policy agenda. By securing the majority support of Republican senators in two rounds of secret ballots, Thune emerged victorious over competitors John Cornyn and Rick Scott. As the first competitive election for Senate leader in three decades, Thune's victory represents a new era in the GOP and a test of his leadership abilities.