FILE PHOTO: U.S. Senator John Thune (R-SD) speaks during a press conference following the Senate Republicans weekly policy lunch at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, U.S., November 19, 2024. REUTERS/Elizabeth Frantz/File Photo
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Incoming U.S. Senate Republican leader John Thune will face the test of his career when Donald Trump returns to power next month, as he aims to shepherd the new president's priorities through Congress while protecting his chamber's authority over Cabinet picks and spending.
A 20-year Senate veteran, the 63-year-old South Dakotan is known as an affable negotiator skilled at finding common ground between opposing factions. He'll step up as majority leader on Jan. 3, when his party's new 53-47 majority is sworn in.
