“I am extremely honored to have earned the support of my colleagues to lead the Senate in the 119th Congress, and I am beyond proud of the work we have done to secure our majority and the White House,” Mr. Thune said in a statement. “This Republican team is united behind President Trump’s agenda, and our work starts today.”

Mr. Thune will be moving up from his current No. 2 spot in leadership as Senate Republican whip. He has also previously served in lower-level leadership roles and as chair of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee.