Exclusive: Thune plans another leader bid as Senate GOP fights to survive
Senate Majority Leader John Thune plans to run for another term as GOP leader, even if Republicans lose the chamber's majority, he told Axios in an exclusive interview Wednesday in his Capitol office. Why it matters: Thune (R-S.D.) is giving his senators broad leeway and tons of cash to preserve GOP control of the Senate. "I do see the Senate as a firewall in a lot of ways," Thune told Axios. "We…
Senate Majority Leader John Thune is set to run for another term as the GOP leader, even if Republicans fail to maintain their majority in the Senate, according to an exclusive interview with Axios. Thune, representing South Dakota, is providing his senators with considerable leeway and financial support to maintain GOP control of the Senate.
He believes the Senate serves as a "firewall" in various situations, and he anticipates the chamber will focus on impeachment or investigations if the House flips, and on judicial and executive nominations otherwise. Thune has three strategies to help the GOP in the challenging environment in 2026: 1. Run against Washington: Thune encourages GOP candidates to distance themselves from Congress or fellow Republicans in D.C., including distancing from President Trump where appropriate.
2. Vote for your state: Thune advises senators to follow what is in the best interest of their state, which may include rebuking Trump during votes on contentious matters such as the Iran war powers resolution. 3. Spend cash like crazy: The Senate Leadership Fund, linked to Thune, is planning to spend nearly $280 million on video advertising this year, the highest among any group, to support Republican candidates in swing states.
Written by urgent.news from Axios's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
