WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican senators will gather behind closed doors Wednesday to decide who will replace longtime Senate leader Mitch McConnell and lead their new majority next year — a decision that could shape the future of the Senate, and the party, as Donald Trump reclaims the presidency.

Senate Republicans will meet behind closed doors to elect a new leader, capping a battle that has divided the party and pitted a candidate backed by vocal MAGA allies of President-elect Donald Trump against two long-serving senators with institutional knowledge and deep relationships in the body.

Washington — Senate Republicans are meeting Wednesday to elect a new leader to represent the conference after Minority Leader Mitch McConnell — the longest serving leader in the Senate history — opted to step down from the post. Meeting behind closed ...