As a new era begins, Thune takes over McConnell's Senate money machine.

The Senate Leadership Fund (SLF), a key ally of Senate Minority Whip John Thune, R-S.D., is being strengthened with support from allies as he prepares to assume the top GOP role in 2025.

The Senate Leadership Fund (SLF) was constructed by individuals who supported outgoing Republican Senate Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and rapidly emerged as a valuable asset for the Senate GOP and its candidates in crucial races nationwide.

Cory Gardner, a former Colorado senator, has been confirmed as the new chair of SLF's board and is expected to play a role in finding a replacement for SLF President and CEO Steven Law, who announced his resignation after the Senate leader race, following McConnell.

The leaders of Thune's political operation, Johnny DeStefano and Paula Dukes, are also expected to participate in the search.

Cory understands the intricacies of midterm elections and contemporary campaigns, and he recognizes the significance of collaborating closely with President Trump and his staff to vanquish Democrats, as DeStefano stated in a statement given to Planet Chronicle Digital.

Since its inception under McConnell's leadership, the group has never experienced new leadership or a change in operation, but with a new Republican in charge of the Senate, this may change.

McConnell and his allies have been praised for establishing a substantial donor network and amassing substantial resources for Senate Republicans. However, it remains uncertain whether Thune will be able to maintain this level of fundraising while serving as leader.

In the past decade, the groups aligned with McConnell, SLF, and sister group One Nation have raised a total of $2.3 billion. During the 2022 Senate cycle, they pulled in $400 million, and in the recent 2024 cycle, they raised $420 million.

If McConnell-level fundraising proves too difficult, Thune's political operation will have to sustain the cash flow or learn to navigate GOP races with less resources.