WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) - For the first time in nearly two decades, someone other than Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) will lead Senate Republicans. Senate Republicans voted, anonymously, to elect Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) the next Senate Majority Leader, after Republicans flipped the Senate in last week’s election. Thune beat out Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) and Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas). “We’ve done many bipartisan things here in the Senate together and I hope that continues,” said Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), the outgoing Senate Majority Leader. The next test for the Republicans in the Senate will be approving nominations for President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming administration. Trump suggested Republican senators allow him to bypass the Senate confirmation process for his administration’s nominees. He suggested using “recess appointments,” which allow the President to appoint people without Senate confirmation. Thune said his preference is the Senate confirmation process, but would not rule out Trump’s recommendation. “We’re going to look, explore all options to make sure that they get moving and they get moved quickly,” Thune said. House Republicans are also voting on a new conference chair, after President-elect Trump nominated Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) to serve as U.N. Ambassador. Speaker Mike Johnson was nominated by Republicans again to serve as House Speaker, after President-elect Trump endorsed him to continue in that role. The new Congress is expected to be sworn in on Jan. 3, 2025.