Thune, who is 63 and in his fourth Senate term, has promised to work closely with President-elect Donald Trump despite differences between the two over the years.

Thune, of South Dakota, beat out Sens. John Cornyn of Texas and Rick Scott of Florida in a secret ballot election to replace Mitch McConnell in the top job.

Republican John Thune of South Dakota is elected next Senate majority leader, making him a key partner in power to Trump