Senate Republicans have selected John Thune of South Dakota to become the next majority leader, replacing Mitch McConnell as the party’s leader. Republicans picked the establishment conservative over John Cornyn and Trump loyalist Rick Scott. The White House is urging Senate Democrats to quickly confirm some 30 federal judges appointed by President Biden before Trump comes into office and Democrats lose control of the Senate.

Meanwhile, Pennsylvania’s Senate race is headed for a recount as Republican David McCormick remains ahead of incumbent Democratic Senator Bob Casey by about 28,000 votes. If McCormick’s lead holds, Republicans will have a 53-seat majority in the U.S. Senate.

House Republicans have nominated Speaker Mike Johnson to remain head of their conference as Republicans cemented their control of the House of Representatives.

In other news from Washington, President Biden hosted Trump at the White House Wednesday, continuing a long-standing tradition — though Trump did not host Biden after Trump’s loss in the 2020 election.