A source familiar with Senate Majority Leader John Thune’s plans says the South Dakota Republican intends to seek the Senate GOP’s top leadership post, even after Republicans suffered major losses in Tuesday’s midterm elections.
The party lost at least five seats, including races in traditionally Republican states such as South Carolina and Texas. The defeats came as President Donald Trump’s approval ratings fell amid criticism of the war in Iran, immigration enforcement and high gas prices.
After the results widened the Democrats’ Senate majority, Thune defended Republicans’ record over the past two years. He said the party had worked to make communities safer, put more money in Americans’ pockets and create opportunities for families and businesses.
Thune also pointed to Republican efforts to advance Trump’s priorities, saying the party had blocked a major tax increase, strengthened border security, confirmed the president’s Cabinet and appointed conservative judges despite Democratic opposition.
Earlier this year, Trump and House Republicans criticized Thune over the Senate’s failure to pass key legislation, including the SAVE America Act. The election measure passed the House three times in 2026 but stalled in the Senate, where Republicans could not overcome the 60-vote threshold for ending a filibuster.
It is not yet clear whether Thune will face a challenger for the leadership role. One source close to Senate Republicans suggested his bid could draw significant criticism, arguing that the party failed to deliver on parts of Trump’s agenda and may have discouraged Republican voters from turning out.
The source also cited the Senate’s limited schedule, saying it met for 217 days in 2025 and 148 days in 2026. That, the source argued, contributed to low approval ratings for the chamber among Republican voters. The source suggested that Trump allies such as Sen. Mike Lee of Utah could be potential alternatives to Thune.
