ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Forced into the minority, Senate Republicans have picked fourth-termer David Hann (HAN') to lead the caucus in the upcoming Minnesota legislative session.

Hann was chosen during a party meeting on Friday. It wasn't immediately clear how many challengers the Eden Prairie senator had for the post.

In this week's election, Republicans lost the majority they had for only two years. Hann says Republicans will work with Democrats where possible but serve as a check when needed in a statehouse now universally controlled by Democrats.

Hann briefly ran for governor in 2010 and didn't rule out another statewide campaign in two years.

House Republicans, who are also back in the minority, pick a leader on Saturday.

The next state Senate campaign is in 2016.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.