Barrasso elected Senate minority whip

Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso has been elected by his Republican colleagues to serve as the minority whip in the incoming 120th Congress. The role places him second in command within the Senate Republican caucus, a position he previously held for two years following the 2024 midterms. Barrasso will work to coordinate the party’s legislative strategy while Democrats hold control of the chamber.

In a letter to colleagues dated Monday, Barrasso outlined his vision for the minority party’s approach. He stated that the group must be clear about its stance and how it will fight against the Democratic majority. “We need to draw sharp, principled contrast with the left-wing majority,” Barrasso wrote. He added that the caucus must advance legislation, demand votes, and conduct conversations at home.

Barrasso emphasized that the effectiveness of the Republican senators depends on their ability to unite. “The effectiveness of Senate Republicans,” he noted, “will depend on their ability to unite.” He argued that when the group stands together, its positions carry greater weight and its ability to shape legislation is stronger. “United Conference has a meaningful voice in the Senate with the strength to use it,” he said.

The election of Barrasso to the whip position preceded the selection of a new party leader. Republican senators also voted to reelect South Dakota Sen. John Thune to lead their party. Some members requested that leadership elections be delayed until Republicans could meet to reflect on their recent defeat.

Missouri Sen. Tom Johnson wrote to colleagues on Monday that holding leadership elections without engaging in robust discussion would be a political mistake. Johnson did not ultimately participate in Tuesday’s leadership election. In a post on X, he cited a defeat in the majority that demands serious reflection and change. “Holding such an election ignores the message our voters sent,” Johnson said. He urged the caucus to acknowledge why they failed and develop strategies to succeed.

Barrasso, who campaigned with Trump ahead of the midterms and supported several Republican Senate candidates, did not directly address the call for a delay in his letter or his Tuesday remarks to the press. However, he said the group “will waste no time.” He explained that the caucus is going to make every second count and that these are judicial appointments where every single one confirmed is a victory. “Members, these are lifetime appointments,” Barrasso said. “We will leave no vacancy behind.”