Senate Republicans elected Sen. John Thune as their leader.

Senate Republicans have elected John Thune of South Dakota as their new majority leader, marking a significant shift in leadership as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House.

In a secret ballot vote, Thune secured 23 votes, beating out John Cornyn with 15 votes and Rick Scott with 13 votes.

Thune, 63, currently serving as minority whip, will replace Mitch McConnell, who has led Senate Republicans for the past 18 years.

The election comes as Republicans prepare to take control of the Senate with at least 52 seats in the 100-person chamber.

Despite past differences with Trump, Thune has pledged to work closely with the incoming administration.

His victory over Scott, a Trump ally, suggests the Senate may maintain some independence from the president-elect.