(WASHINGTON) Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell was comfortably reappointed by his colleagues Wednesday for the next legislative session, which begins in January, despite an opposition nomination and efforts to delay that process.
The 80-year-old veteran politician, elected from the rural state of Kentucky, continues to head the Republican caucus in the upper house, a post he has held since 2007.
Democrats’ strong performance in the midterm elections, traditionally difficult for the president’s party, once again deprived the Alabama native of a majority and decisive weight in the Senate.
Donald Trump, who has significant influence over the Republican Party, was blamed for the defeat.
The two men were staunch allies during the billionaire’s tenure, but have been estranged since Mitch McConnell attacked the Capitol.
“He screwed up the election,” said Donald Trump on his Truth social network. Before the election, Mr. McConnell was concerned.
First elected to the Senate in 1984, Mitch McConnell, a constant navigator of the Washington mysteries, easily rebuffed an attempt to replace him by another Republican, Senator Rick Scott.
He was able to hold the vote on Wednesday, despite several pro-Trump senators leaning toward postponing it.
