Thune retains Senate Republican leadership amid debate over party’s setbacks

John Thune has been re-elected as Senate Republican leader despite calls from some colleagues to delay the vote and review the party’s poor midterm results. His return leaves him to lead a reduced caucus as Democrats take control of the Senate, while Republicans debate how to respond.

Rick Scott and Ashley Moody pressed for the Senate to stay in session to pass legislation and confirm nominees before year’s end. Dave McCormick, Ron Johnson and Jim Banks urged Republicans to discuss what went wrong before holding leadership elections; Thune’s leadership team was also re-elected, and Bernie Moreno will lead the NRSC. Republicans are expected to hold 44 to 46 seats, with Alaska and Mississippi races uncalled, after Democrats flipped seven seats.