John Thune elected new Republican Senate leader

Senate Republicans have elected John Thune, the long-serving Senator from South Dakota, as their new leader in the chamber.

The 63-year-old won a secret ballot on Wednesday, defeating Florida Senator Rick Scott and Texan Senator John Cornyn.

Scott, who was the preferred choice of many of Donald Trump's top allies inside and outside Congress, was eliminated in the first round.

The Republican Party won a 53-47 majority in the Senate last week, flipping control of the upper chamber.

Thune will take over from Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell, the longest-serving party leader in US history, when the 119th Congress begins in January, and will serve for at least the next two years.

As Senate majority leader, he will be the chief spokesperson for the Republican conference's positions on issues, co-ordinate legislative strategies and manage business - including all legislative action - on the chamber floor.

McConnell, 82, announced earlier this year that he would step down after 17 years in the top leadership post.

His decision sparked expected bids from Thune, the current minority whip, and Cornyn, who has previously served as Republican whip.

But Scott also threw his hat into the ring and top Trump supporters, from Elon Musk to Tucker Carlson, publicly endorsed his long-shot bid in an effort to build momentum.