WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican senators will gather behind closed doors Wednesday to decide who will replace longtime Senate leader Mitch McConnell and lead their new majority next year — a decision that could shape the future of the Senate, and the party, as Donald Trump reclaims the presidency.

WASHINGTON—Republican senators chose John Thune of South Dakota as their first new leader in nearly two decades, opting for continuity over calls for radical change heading into populist President-elect Donald Trump’s second term in the White House.

Republican John Thune of South Dakota is elected next Senate majority leader, making him a key partner in power to Trump

U.S. Senate Republicans on Wednesday elected South Dakota Sen. John Thune as that chamber’s next majority leader during a closed-door, secret ballot election. When Thune takes over in January, it will mark the first time since 2007 that Kentucky Sen.

Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) said Sunday that Sen. John Thune (R-S.C.) will “be a great leader” for the Senate as Republicans in the upper chamber prepare for a return to power. “I’ve known John

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.

Later this week, GOP Senators will select a party leader for the chamber as Mitch McConnell steps down, the first time since 2007.