In Sioux Falls, South Dakota, U.S. Senator John Thune was elected by his colleagues on Wednesday to lead the Republican party as they prepare to collaborate with President-elect Donald Trump and a likely Republican-controlled House in the upcoming 119th U.S. Congress.

Thune, who is currently serving as the Senate GOP minority whip, will take over the leadership position from Mitch McConnell, the Senator from Kentucky who has held the role since 2007, making him the longest-serving Senate party leader in U.S. history.

Here’s what we know about Thune, a four-term senator from South Dakota, who will now be pivotal in directing the legislative agenda throughout Trump’s second term.

How did he secure the position?

Thune triumphed over two main rivals in a confidential secret-ballot election held on Wednesday. Florida Senator Rick Scott, who was initially supported by significant Trump allies, was eliminated in the first round, allowing Thune to face off against Texas Senator John Cornyn.

In the concluding ballot, Thune secured 29 votes compared to Cornyn’s 24.

At 63 years old, Thune comes from Murdo, South Dakota, and becomes only the second individual from the state to rise to this leadership role, following former Democratic Senator Tom Daschle, who held the position from 1995 to 2005.

“I am deeply honored to have received the support of my colleagues as we lead the Senate through the 119th Congress. I’m incredibly proud of our achievements in securing our majority and the White House,” Thune stated in a press release on Wednesday. “Our Republican team is aligned with President Trump’s agenda, and our work begins now.”

What will Thune’s political landscape look like?

Having served as Senate whip since 2019, Thune now presides over a Republican-majority Senate, which is anticipated to maintain a GOP trifecta when Trump enters the White House in 2025, with Republicans likely retaking the House.

As of 1:30 p.m. EST on Wednesday, the Associated Press had not officially declared control of the House.

What is Thune’s connection with Trump?

Thune’s election signals a significant change in his stance towards Trump, particularly after years of political disagreements.

After attending a forum in Sioux Falls, S.D., in October, Thune told the Argus Leader, which partners with YSL News Network, that he has developed a “working relationship” with Trump.

“Although we’ve had our differences in the past, I understand the nation is facing substantial challenges and that it’s essential for leaders to collaborate,” Thune expressed during an interview.

Initially, Thune was among Trump’s early critics following the emergence of the 2005 Hollywood Access tape revealing crude remarks he made about women, which led Thune to suggest Trump should withdraw from the Republican nomination in his first presidential campaign.

Thune also condemned Trump for his efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election and for inciting the January 6, 2021, riot at the Capitol, labeling his actions and those of the rioters as “inexcusable.”

While Trump did not specifically endorse Thune or influence the Senate leadership decisions, Thune seems eager to mend fences, indicating that he is prepared to navigate this new era under a second Trump presidency.

In advance of the secret ballot election, Trump urged Senate GOP members to allow him greater power for recess appointments, aiming to expedite the confirmation of his Cabinet selections.

Among Trump’s latest nominees is South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, selected to be his next Secretary of Homeland Security.

Thune has also shown support for the idea of allowing Trump to make these Cabinet appointments during recess periods. In an op-ed for Fox News, Thune stated he would collaborate with the incoming president to help advance his “agenda for American success.”

“As Congress reconvenes in Washington,” Thune stated, “it is essential that we prepare the Senate to push forward that agenda through legislation, ensuring the president-elect can start working immediately with their appointees confirmed as soon as possible.”