U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) is ready to work with the newly-elected Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) after his endorsed candidate, U.S. Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), fell out after the first round of voting.
After a week of speculation surrounding the election of the new Senate majority leader, Senate Republicans selected U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) to fill the post after a secret ballot election on Wednesday afternoon.
The race was hotly debated online, with several MAGA A-listers and Vice President-elect J.D. Vance backing Scott, who was widely seen as the most conservative option. Scott was eliminated after the first round of voting, and Thune defeated U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) in the runoff with a final vote of 29-24.
Shortly after the vote, Tuberville emphasized his initial support for Scott. However, he told reporters that he was ready to work to advance President-elect Donald Trump's agenda with Thune at the Senate helm.
"As most of you know, I endorsed Senator Rick Scott of Florida earlier this week," Tuberville said. "While I count all three senators friends, I appreciate Senator Scott's business and military background. He's not a career politician, and that's why I felt he was best for the job."
He continued, "During my meeting with Senator Thune, I shared with him the importance of uniting behind President Trump's agenda. The American people sent a clear mandate last week: they want President Trump's America-first agenda, and they want it now. We as a party need to do our part to help President Trump pass his priorities through Congress. I look forward to working with the new leader, Thune, and President Trump to deliver wins for the American people and continuing to advocate for issues important to everyone in Alabama."
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