美参院舒默领导民主党，麦康奈尔领导共和党

U.S. Senate leadership positions are being filled for the new session that will start in early January, reflecting the balance of power determined in elections held across the country last week.

Veteran New York Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer was unanimously elected minority leader Wednesday. He will succeed retiring Nevada Senator Harry Reid in the leadership post.

Other top Democratic party positions will be held by Illinois Senator Dick Durbin, who will be the minority whip. Washington State Senator Patty Murray was elected assistant leader.

Republicans, who hold the majority in the Senate, elected Kentucky's Mitch McConnell to continue in his leadership position.

The congressional leadership positions take effect prior to the January 20 inauguration of Republican Donald Trump as the 45th president of the United States.