### Thune Urges Trump to Stay Neutral in Senate Leadership Race

Senate Republican Whip John Thune (S.D.) has called for President-elect Donald Trump to refrain from influencing the contest to replace outgoing Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.). This request adds a new dynamic to the already intense leadership race. Thune has publicly stated that it would serve Trump's best interests to allow Republican senators to independently choose their new leader. His viewpoint has found support among allies like Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), who recently advised Trump to "stay out of the race."

The plea from Thune has generated significant discussion among Senate insiders, particularly following Trump's recent election victory over Vice President Harris, which helped Republicans regain the Senate majority. Thune’s rivals, Sens. John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Rick Scott (R-Fla.), seem to have stronger relationships with Trump. Scott, especially, has a close connection with the president-elect, having represented Trump's adopted home state of Florida and visited Mar-a-Lago in 2021 to recognize Trump with a "Champion of Freedom" award.

Susie Wiles, an instrumental figure in Scott's political career and Trump's presidential campaign manager, was recently named Trump's White House chief of staff. This appointment fuels speculation that Trump might endorse Scott, a move that would likely bolster Scott’s chances of becoming majority leader. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) has publicly urged Trump to support Scott, emphasizing the importance of working with someone who aligns with Trump’s agenda.

Cornyn, while not as close to Trump as Scott, has reminded him of their successful collaborations during Trump's first term. Cornyn's recent appearances at Trump rallies and fundraisers have showcased their somewhat repaired relationship. Conversely, Thune has had a historically rocky relationship with Trump, particularly after opposing the certification of electoral votes for Joe Biden in 2020. Thune’s stance led Trump to once call for a primary challenger against him, although Thune easily secured reelection in 2022.

Despite the past tension, Thune has made efforts to mend his relationship with Trump by visiting him at Mar-a-Lago and maintaining regular communication with his team. Thune has pledged to support Trump's legislative initiatives if he becomes the next Senate majority leader. Nonetheless, he firmly believes it’s crucial for Senate Republicans to independently determine their leadership, a sentiment he communicated to Trump, underscoring the significance of Senate secret-ballot elections.