Sen. Rick Scott (R-Florida) was defeated in the Senate majority leader race after the first round of secret ballots Wednesday morning, and none of the three candidates received a majority of votes.
Officials told Fox News that Scott received the fewest votes in the first round.
The senators proceeded to a second secret vote, with only Sens. John Thune (R.S.D.) and John Cornyn (R., Texas) in the Senate minority.
Thune received the most votes in the first round, with 23 votes, but fell short of the majority, needing four more votes. Cornyn received 15 votes despite having only one prior public endorsement. Scott received 13 votes on the ballot before dropping out of the race.
The new Senate Republican leader was chosen Wednesday. (Reuters)
To be elected, a candidate must receive 27 votes, a majority of the 53-member council.
