Barrasso Elected GOP Minority Whip for 120th Congress

Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso was elected the Republican minority whip in the Senate on Tuesday.

Barrasso will serve as the No. 2 party leader during the 120th Congress, which begins in January. His role shifts from majority whip to minority whip after Democrats won control of the Senate in the November midterm elections.

In a letter to colleagues dated Monday, Barrasso stated that Republicans must define their stance clearly against the new majority. He wrote that the party needs to draw a sharp contrast with the left-wing majority through their messages, legislation, and votes. He emphasized that a united conference carries greater weight when shaping legislation or stopping bills.

Senate Republicans also voted to reelect South Dakota Sen. John Thune as the party leader. Some members preferred to delay the vote until after the party had time to reflect on their defeat. Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson argued in a Monday letter that holding elections without a robust discussion on leadership strategies would be political malpractice. Johnson said in a Tuesday post on X that he did not participate in the vote because the magnitude of the defeat required serious reflection.

Barrasso did not address the call for a delay in his Tuesday remarks to the press. He said the party will waste no time and plans to count every second of their time in opposition. He specifically pointed to pending judicial appointments, noting they are lifetime positions. Barrasso stated that Republicans will work to confirm every single appointment and leave no vacancy behind.

The leadership elections concluded the formal transition process for the incoming 120th Congress. Democrats now hold the majority in both the House and the Senate following the midterm results.