Senate Republicans have chosen Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., to continue on as their leader in the next Congress. 

The entire Senate GOP leadership team was re-elected by acclamation during the closed-door conference meeting. 

The move follows a slight delay, as several senators pushed for a discussion about the direction of the party, facing the new reality of a Democratic majority in the next session of Congress. 

But in the end, Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., said Thune gave a “heartfelt speech” to colleagues before the vote, according to Politico. 

“I appreciated the opportunity to have an open, honest, and transparent conversation with my colleagues today, and I am honored to have their continued trust and support to lead the Senate Republican Conference in the 120th Congress,” Thune said in a statement after the vote.