Senate Republican Walks Out as GOP Leadership Fight Comes to a Head

Virginia Grace McKinnon

•   November 10, 2026

Senate Majority Leader John Thune was reelected as the top GOP senator for the 120th Congress as Republicans head into the minority. Not only did the conference choose to keep Thune in charge, but it also reelected his entire leadership team.

Current Senate records identify Thune as majority leader, and current reporting confirms he was reelected to the GOP’s top post and is set to become minority leader in the new Congress.

Everyone was running unopposed and was elected by acclamation, meaning there was no official vote or ballot, like the House had earlier in the day.

While Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin attempted to delay the Senate Republicans’ leadership election today, his effort failed in a 15-31 vote. As promised, he walked out, choosing not to participate in the final vote. Johnson had publicly pledged to walk out if Republicans proceeded with the elections.

“I really don’t like walking out, but you know that’s what I said I was going to do, and I did it,” he told reporters as he walked out.

Thune said in a statement, “I appreciated the opportunity to have an open, honest, and transparent conversation with my colleagues today, and I am honored to have their continued trust and support to lead the Senate Republican Conference in the 120th Congress.”

“I’m proud of what this Republican team has accomplished together, and we remain united in our commitment to advancing conservative priorities, working with President [Donald] Trump and our colleagues in the House, and holding the line against Democrats’ efforts to enact their far-left, liberal agenda. We have important work ahead of us, and I look forward to serving alongside my colleagues on behalf of the American people,” Thune continued.

Majority Whip John Barrasso, Senate Republican Conference Chairman Tom Cotton, Senate Republican Policy Committee Chairwoman Shelley Moore Capito, and Senate Republican Conference Vice Chairman James Lankford were also reelected to the roles they will hold in the minority.

“Senate Leadership Fund congratulates Senator John Barrasso on his reelection as Republican Whip!” Senate Leadership Fund Executive Director Alex Latcham said in a statement.

“Whip Barrasso plays a central role in advancing President Trump’s agenda, including the historic Working Families Tax Cuts, and he’ll continue to be a strong leader for the American people,” Latcham continued.

Sen. Bernie Moreno of Ohio was elected National Republican Senatorial Committee chairman to replace Sen. Tim Scott, who served his two-year term cycle. The National Republican Senatorial Committee serves as the party’s campaign arm for the Senate.

Moreno told reporters Senate Republicans are going to be “absolute savages” when it comes to ending government corruption, a top concern for voters.

“Senator Moreno is a proven winner who possesses boundless energy and the keen political instincts that will be critical to our efforts. Senate Leadership Fund looks forward to a close partnership with Senator Moreno as we work to elect strong Republicans to the U.S. Senate,” Latcham said in a statement congratulating Moreno.

Virginia Grace McKinnon
Virginia Grace McKinnon | Journalism Fellow
Virginia Grace McKinnon is a journalism fellow for the Daily Signal.

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