U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) is now the No. 2 leader in the Senate after being elected Majority Whip, cementing him as the second in command in the Republican conference for the foreseeable future.
Barrasso was uncontested for the post, having served for six years as Senate GOP conference chair and in control of Republican messaging.
He can serve up to six years in the role.
The senior Senator from Wyoming was considered to be in the running to take over the Majority Leader position after current No. 1, Senator Mitch McConnell, (R-KY), announced his retirement from the position earlier this year. Considered part of the “Three Johns,” Barrasso is especially known as a more ardent ally of President-elect Trump than Senators John Thune, (R-SD) and John Cornyn (R-TX).
Instead, Barrasso decided to run for the No. 2 position as the top vote-wrangler, as he was the only one of the three eligible for the whip position.
Barrasso released a statement after the vote, saying he, as well as other Republicans are ready to get to work for the American people.
“I want to thank the people of Wyoming for their support and for allowing me to continue serving our state in the United States Senate. I want to thank my Republican colleagues for their confidence and their vote today. It is my honor to serve them as Assistant Majority Leader.”
Barrasso echoed the same sentiment as his colleagues, looking forward to another Trump term saying, “We have an extraordinary opportunity in front of us. Voters spoke loudly. It is our job to listen and to lead on their behalf. Our agenda will be bold. We will work on the issues that are so clearly the priority of voters – lowering costs, protecting the border, restoring America’s strength in the world, and unleashing American energy.
“With this new Republican Majority and President Trump, we will deliver a new direction for the American people,” Barrasso added.
