Home · Politics · Nov 10 archive

Thune Re-elected as Senate GOP Leader Amid Midterm Losses

5:08 PM ETConfirmedShare via:          

Politics Desk

In Short: John Thune was re-elected as Senate Republican leader after a closed-door meeting, despite criticism over the party's midterm election losses.

John Thune, official portrait, 111th Congress (cropped).

LIVE: Senate Republicans speak following closed-door leadership election meeting. The Hill

John Thune, 65, was re-elected as Senate Republican leader on Tuesday, securing another term after a closed-door meeting in the Old Senate Chamber.

Thune, who has served as majority leader since early 2025, won by acclamation, meaning he faced no opposition during the vote.

The meeting lasted several hours, with senators discussing the party's direction following the midterm elections, where Republicans lost at least seven Senate seats and control of the chamber.

Despite the losses, Thune maintained his position, stating, 'I appreciated the opportunity to have an open, honest, and transparent conversation with my colleagues today, and I am honored to have their continued trust and support to lead the Senate Republican Conference in the 120th Congress.'

Some senators, like West Virginia's Jim Justice, argued that there was a 'legitimate argument' for reconsidering the leadership team, though they acknowledged that the leaders were not solely responsible for the losses.

Others, like Wisconsin's Ron Johnson, had pushed for a pause in the leadership elections to discuss the party's direction, but Thune's re-election proceeded without delay.

Thune's leadership has faced criticism from the conservative base over his reluctance to change Senate rules to pass the SAVE America Act, a voter ID bill.

Thune's re-election comes as the Republican Party is in the minority in the Senate, and he will now lead the party through their time in opposition.

Thune's re-election was not unanimous, with some senators expressing concerns about the party's direction and the need for change.

In a statement, Thune expressed his pride in the team's work and looked forward to the important work ahead.

The re-election of Thune as Senate Republican leader marks a continuation of his leadership role despite the party's midterm setbacks.

What this adds

Background

What's confirmed

• Thune, who has served as majority leader since early 2025 after succeeding longtime leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, won by acclamation in a closed-door conference meeting in the Old Senate Chamber.
• Senator John Thune, the current leader, appears to have secured enough votes to stay at the helm, but a handful of his rank-and-file colleagues are pushing their conference to hold off on an official election.
• "We need leadership in place fast, but Tuesday is too soon." McCormick's caution is shared by a few right-wing Republicans who've previously butted heads with Thune.

What's still developing

• Thune served in the House of Representatives for six years before joining the Senate in 2005.
• Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., calls Ohio "ground zero" for crucial midterm election while campaigning with Republican Senate nominee Jon Husted on Tuesday, Oct. 27.

Sources

• CBS Newslink
• Florida’s Voicelink
• Fox Newslink
• Justthenewslink
• KATUlink
• Peoplelink
• Punchbowl Newslink
• Roll Calllink
• Washingtonexaminerlink
• 13Whamlink
• Stl30link
• Fox Newslink
• Midmichigannowlink
• Fox11Onlinelink
• Katulink
• WarpBeat — background on Democrats Win Senate Control in Midterms link
• The Hill — video link
• KEYC News Now — video link
• CBS News — video link
• USA TODAY — video link