Texas Sen. John Cornyn was elected by Senate Republicans to serve as minority Whip Wednesday. He will start serving in that role in January. Cornyn says he's honored to have been chosen by his colleagues.

“I’m honored to have been chosen by my colleagues to help lead our caucus during such a critical time for this country. Core Texas values like hard work, limited government, and individual liberty will continue to guide me in this new role. I look forward to working with the Conference to tackle the major hurdles before us, beginning with the looming fiscal cliff. This debate presents both an immense challenge and an historic opportunity to come together to do the right thing for the country. I am optimistic the urgency of the moment will bring members of both parties together to avert what would be an economic disaster. Now more than ever this nation needs leaders willing to step up and make the tough choices that are right for our country, not politically expedient for one party.”

Cornyn is currently serving as chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee. It was his job to raise funds for Republican US Senate candidates leading up to election day. Republicans lost two seats in the U.S. Senate this year. Cornyn also serves on the Finance, Judiciary, Armed Services and Budget Committees.

We reached out to Senator-elect Ted Cruz for a statement on Cornyn's new role. During the campaign, some accused Cruz of not fully supporting Cornyn.