“…the leader of the Senate Republicans, making him the highest-ranking Republican in office.”
I would dispute that… there are Republicans who govern some pretty big states. And keep in mind, “Governor” is a true office, conferred by voters according to state Constitutions - whereas “minority leader” is not.
“Speaker”, “Leader”, “Whip” - these made-up party titles are not even mentioned in the Constitution, which imbues each Senator and each Representative with equal voting power.
Good points.