John Thune Seeks Minority Leadership After GOP Midterm Losses

Senate Majority Leader John Thune announced he will run for a second term as the top Senate Republican, transitioning to the role of minority leader after Democrats flipped control of both the House and Senate in the Tuesday midterm elections. The GOP lost at least five Senate seats, including in traditional strongholds like Texas and South Carolina. These losses occurred amid declining approval ratings for President Donald Trump, influenced by the war in Iran, immigration enforcement, and high gas prices.

Thune remains unopposed for the minority leadership position. He defended the Republican legislative record, claiming the party secured the border, prevented a large tax hike, and accelerated the confirmation of conservative judges and Cabinet members. He vowed that Senate Republicans will not "stand idly by" as the "far-left, socialist wing of the Democrat Party" attempts to undo these achievements, stating the party will work with the president to block "Democrat extremism."

In contrast to Thune's bid, House Speaker Mike Johnson announced he will step down from leadership following an electoral rout that may leave Democrats with over 250 House seats. This departure has triggered a leadership scramble in the House, with Representatives Jim Jordan and Steve Scalise both angling for the minority leadership role.