Thune, who is 63 and in his fourth Senate term, has promised to work closely with President-elect Donald Trump despite differences between the two over the years.

Thune, of South Dakota, beat out Sens. John Cornyn of Texas and Rick Scott of Florida in a secret ballot election to replace Mitch McConnell in the top job.

Thune, who attended the La Mirada university, played basketball under coach Dave Holmquist, who is still on staff at Biola.