Senate Republicans elected Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., to the chamber’s top leadership position on Wednesday in a secret ballot vote following a candidate forum focused on reforming Senate procedure moderated by Utah Sen. Mike Lee.

The incoming Senate Republican majority made their very first major move, electing South Dakota Senator John Thune as their next leader. The Washington Post's Rhonda Colvin reports from the Capitol.

Utah Sen. Mike Lee and Sen.-elect John Curtis congratulated John Thune after the South Dakota senator was picked to lead Republican caucus when the party takes control of the chamber next year.