BREAKING: John Thune wins secret vote to become Senate Majority Leader

Florida's Scott was the top choice among the MAGA pundit class who felt that he best represented that wing of the party of the three men in the running. McConnell determined to hold the leadership vote ahead of the new term, which will see the GOP take a majority. Republicans will also maintain their majority in the US House, meaning that with the White House, both chambers of Congress, and a conservative majority on the Supreme Court, Republicans control the federal government.

"As Congress returns to Washington," Thune said earlier this week, "we must prepare the Senate to advance President Trump’s agenda legislatively and ensure that the president-elect can hit the ground running with his appointees confirmed as soon as possible."

Trump had not made an endorsement of who he believed should be leader. He and McConnell clashed during Trump's first term and Thune has been a close aide of McConnell's for years.

Commentator Charlie Kirk weighed in, saying "John Thune is Senate Majority Leader. He has a short window to show us he will support President Trump, fill his cabinet, confirm his judges, and pass his agenda. If he does, we will support him. If he doesn't, we will work to remove him."