Senate Republicans vying to replace longtime leader Mitch McConnell have been crossing the country to campaign and fundraise for colleagues, making their final arguments before a consequential ballot the week after the presidential election.

With Republicans back in control of the Senate, the real drama begins next week when lawmakers return to Washington. Three contenders are jockeying to succeed Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) as GOP leader: Minority Whip John Thune of South Dakota,

Senate Republicans elected South Dakota Sen. John Thune to succeed Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell as leader of the Senate's GOP in Washington and its likely new majority.