Sen. John Thune was privately backed by President-elect Donald Trump, Steve Daines told his colleagues, despite Trump's choice not to publicly endorse.
National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman and top-Trump ally Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., suggested to senators ahead of the Wednesday Republican leader election that President-elect Donald Trump was supporting Senate Minority Whip John Thune, R-S.D., to win, despite choosing not to endorse publicly. Daines, who gave one of Thune's two nominating speeches before voting began, claimed Trump was backing Thune in the race against Sens. Rick Scott, R-Fla.
Thune won the leader race on the second secret ballot, receiving 29 votes, which was two more than the necessary 27-vote majority. Cornyn got 24 votes. The South Dakota Republican had received early backing from another top Trump ally, Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., who revealed his support for him soon after he announced his bid. Following his win on Wednesday, Trump congratulated Thune in a post on Truth Social.
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