John Thune Campaigns to Save GOP Senate Majority

Senate Majority Leader John Thune is campaigning across traditionally Republican states, including Iowa, Georgia, and Florida, to maintain the GOP's 53-47 Senate majority ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. In Iowa, Thune is supporting Representative Ashley Hinson in a tight race against Democrat Josh Turek to replace retiring Senator Joni Ernst.

Thune faces significant pressure from President Donald Trump and GOP activists over the failure to pass the SAVE America Act, which would require proof of citizenship for voter registration. While some Republican senators have criticized Thune for prioritizing cryptocurrency and college-sports legislation over affordability measures, Thune maintains he lacked the necessary votes to advance the voting bill. He has also faced criticism for his refusal to eliminate the Senate filibuster.

Despite tensions and talk of a potential 2028 primary challenge in South Dakota, Thune intends to run for Senate Republican leader in the 120th Congress regardless of the election outcome. Trump's relationship with Thune has fluctuated between public pressure and private warmth. If Republicans retain the majority, Thune plans an agenda focusing on housing and tax reform, permitting legislation, artificial intelligence guardrails, and college sports regulation.