Senate Majority Leader John Thune is refusing to surrender his leadership position after Republicans suffered sweeping midterm election losses, announcing plans to seek another term as the GOP’s top senator even as Democrats prepare to take control of the chamber.
Thune, R-S.D., will run for Senate minority leader in next week’s Republican leadership elections, a spokesperson for his office confirmed Wednesday.
The announcement comes after Tuesday’s elections delivered a major setback to Republicans, who entered the midterms controlling the Senate 53-47 but will now find themselves in the minority.
Democrats are expected to hold between 54 and 56 seats once the remaining races are decided, dramatically changing the balance of power in Washington.
But Thune made clear that Republicans have no intention of quietly allowing Democrats to dismantle President Donald Trump’s agenda.
In a defiant social media post following the election, the South Dakota Republican defended his party’s accomplishments over the past two years.
“Over the last two years, Senate Republicans have put up a strong record of accomplishment that’s created safer streets, more money in Americans’ pockets, and new opportunities for families and businesses to get ahead.”
Thune then issued a warning about the direction Democrats could take the country when they assume control of Congress in January.
Screenshot-X
“As we head into 2027, Senate Republicans will not stand idly by as the far-left, socialist wing of the Democrat Party attempts to unwind everything we’ve done,” he said.
“Thankfully, we still have President Trump in the White House, and we’ll work with him to stop the worst impulses of Democrat extremism.”
The remarks signal that John Thune intends to maintain a confrontational approach toward Democratic legislative priorities while coordinating with the White House.
Although Democrats will control both chambers of Congress, Donald Trump retains his presidential veto power, giving Republicans an important tool to challenge legislation they oppose.
RELATED: Democrats Begin Turning On Chuck Schumer Just Hours After Election Victory
Thune, 65, became Senate Republican leader after winning a three-way leadership contest in 2024 to replace longtime GOP leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky.
McConnell had led Senate Republicans since 2007, becoming the longest-serving Senate party leader in American history.
Thune’s tenure has included occasional disagreements with Trump, particularly over legislation that struggled to secure enough support in the Senate.
Among those disputes was the SAVE America Act, a Republican-backed election measure involving voter identification and citizenship verification requirements.
Despite those disagreements, Thune has remained a central figure in advancing the administration’s legislative priorities.
He is not the only Republican leader seeking to retain his position.
Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso, R-Wyo., is also expected to pursue another term in leadership as Republicans transition into the minority.
RELATED: BREAKING: Top Trump Official Resigns
Barrasso acknowledged the party’s disappointing election results Wednesday while calling for a renewed focus on affordability and opposition to Democratic policies.
“Republicans had a tough night last night. We lost great Senators in hard races,” Barrasso wrote on X.
“There are clear lessons to be learned from the results.”
He followed with a warning about the incoming Democratic majority.
“We should listen to what voters unmistakably said last night,” Barrasso said. “In the Senate, we will aggressively oppose terrible ideas that drive our country toward the socialism Democrats embraced. Our commitment is to common sense. And our focus should not waiver from the top priority of driving down prices that have remained stubbornly too high.”
RELATED: REPORT: Key Trump Official To Step Down, Launch Bid For President; WH Responds
“I’m here for the fight,” he added.
So far, Thune has not attracted a publicly declared challenger for the minority leader position.
Florida Sen. Rick Scott, who unsuccessfully challenged Thune for the Republican leadership in 2024, indicated in September that he did not intend to seek the position again.
Meanwhile, Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., is expected to seek another term as Republican conference vice chair, while Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., plans to pursue reelection as Republican Policy Committee chair.
The leadership elections are scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 9 a.m. in the Old Senate Chamber.
For Thune, the vote will determine whether Senate Republicans want continuity following their election losses or a different leadership approach as they prepare to confront Democratic majorities.
POLL: Do You Approve Of Secretary Of War Pete Hegseth?
Continue reading...
[ H/T Trending Politics ]
