Thune to Seek Senate Republican Minority Leader Post

Sen. John Thune intends to seek election as Senate Republican minority leader after Republicans lost control of the chamber in the 2026 midterm elections, his office said. The party’s leadership vote is scheduled for November 10, as Republicans prepare to move from the majority to the minority in the next Congress. A spokesperson for Thune’s office confirmed his plan. The election is set for 9 a.m. in the Old Senate Chamber. No Republican had publicly announced a challenge to him in the reports, though one account said the possibility remained open. Thune’s bid follows the loss of the Republican Senate majority, which held 53 seats to Democrats’ 47. One report estimated Democrats would hold between 54 and 56 seats, depending on unresolved races. The election results also shifted control of the House to Democrats, according to one report. In a November 4 post on X, Thune defended the Republican Senate’s record over the past two years. He cited tax policy, border security, Cabinet confirmations and judicial appointments, and said the party would oppose efforts to reverse its work. Those accomplishments were Thune’s assessment of the record. The Senate’s handling of the SAVE...