For instance, The Associated Press reported in 2020 that both McConnell and Democratic Sen. Chuck Schumer had won their party's leadership elections in secret ballots (although which of the two would be the "majority" leader and which would be the "minority" leader was still up for debate, since runoff elections in Georgia had not yet taken place).

Following the election, Republicans will control the Senate with a 53 to 47 majority, but one question remains -- who will become the new Senate majority leader? Outgoing leader Mitch McConnell will remain in Congress but will step aside as the longest serving party leader in history.