South Dakota Sen. John Thune has officially announced his candidacy for the next Republican leader of the U.S. Senate, following Sen. Mitch McConnell's decision to step down in November. Thune, currently the No. 2 Senate Republican, expressed his interest in the position in interviews with local news outlets, stating his intention to seek support from his colleagues.
Thune's entry into the race sets up a competition with Texas Sen. John Cornyn, who previously held the No. 2 leadership post. Other potential contenders, such as Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso, may also join the race. The election for the new leader is expected to take place in a closed-door conference meeting after the November elections.
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