Senate Republicans have elected South Dakota’s John Thune as the next Senate majority leader after rejecting public overtures from allies of President-elect Donald Trump who backed a different candidate.

Thune, who is 63 and in his fourth Senate term, has promised to work closely with President-elect Donald Trump despite differences between the two over the years.

Republican John Thune of South Dakota is elected next Senate majority leader, making him a key partner in power to Trump