McConnell reelected to lead Senate Republicans

Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky, survived a challenge Wednesday from Florida Sen. Rick Scott to be minority leader of the Senate. Republicans had discussed their leadership options after failing to gain a majority in the Senate during last week’s midterm election. Wednesday’s vote, held in the Capitol’s Old Senate Chamber, was private, but several senators who spoke to The Associated Press said McConnell easily won the vote 37-10, with a 48th senator simply voting present.

What’s happening in the House? Republicans in the House of Representatives are experiencing more division. House GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy won the nomination to run for House speaker, but he faces stiff opposition from a core group of right-flank Republicans unconvinced of his leadership. McCarthy’s victory came before Republicans officially held the House majority.

Dig deeper: Listen to Mary Reichard’s discussion with Matt Klink on The World and Everything in It podcast about the red wave that never was.