John Thune Returned as Senate Republican Conference Leader

GRAND RAPIDS, MI. - Senate Republicans returned John Thune as senate Republican conference leader on November 10, 2026, following a vote by senate Republicans. This decision came after the party experienced significant losses in the midterm elections, which resulted in the loss of their Senate majority. Thune's reelection positions him to lead the conference as it navigates a new political landscape.

Senator Thune, a Republican from South Dakota, ran unopposed in the secret ballot election and secured reelection by acclamation. Some Republican senators, including Ron Johnson of Wisconsin and Rick Scott of Florida, advocated for delaying the leadership election to first develop a strategy for the party's future. However, the conference voted 31-15 against the motion to delay, opting to proceed with the election. Thune stated he appreciated the open and honest conversation and felt honored by his colleagues' continued trust to lead the Senate Republican Conference in the 120th Congress, adding the party would be "very, very active in asserting conservative priorities."

The leadership election followed a day of contentious meetings and discussions among Republican senators. These discussions centered on the party's performance in the recent midterm elections, where they lost their majority in the Senate. The internal debate reflected a desire among some members to reassess party direction before confirming leadership.

Looking ahead to the 2028 presidential race, Thune stated on November 10, 2026, that he would not take sides in the Republican presidential primary. He anticipates several senators, including Ted Cruz, Josh Hawley, Rand Paul, and John Kennedy, may enter the presidential contest. Thune also plans to make announcements soon regarding his own preparations for 2028, including his assumed pursuit of re-election to the Senate in South Dakota.