Senator Mitch McConnell is stepping down as Senate Republican Leader after 18 years in the role. The Republican Party of Kentucky released the following statement on McConnell stepping down: “The Republican Party of Kentucky extends its deepest gratitude to Senator McConnell for his remarkable 18 years as U.

Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) was elected Senate majority leader Wednesday, ushering in a new era for the Senate GOP after nearly two decades under the helm of Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.). Why it matters: Thune will be tasked with balancing the diverging wings of the Republican Party,

Who senators choose, and whether Trump ultimately endorses a candidate in the final hours, could set the tone for Trump’s attempts to assert control over the legislative branch.