Thune to Seek Second Term as Senate Leader
Senate Majority Leader John Thune is expected to run again for Republican leader as leadership elections approach on November 10.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Elections
Live Poll
Should Republicans in the Senate keep John Thune as their leader after the midterm losses?
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a South Dakota Republican, is expected to seek a second term as Senate Republican leader, according to a source close to him. Republican leadership elections are scheduled for Tuesday, November 10, after the party lost at least six Senate seats in the midterms.
Why it matters
The vote will determine who leads Senate Republicans in the minority after the midterm losses, which were concentrated in states Donald Trump won handily in 2024. Thune's decision also signals his intent to pursue reelection in 2028.
Republicans lost at least six Senate seats in the 2026 midterms, most in states Trump carried handily in 2024, according to reported results. Thune has not made a formal public announcement, and the leadership race remains unchallenged so far.
The players
John Thune
John Thune is the Senate Majority Leader and a South Dakota Republican who has led the Senate Republican conference and is seeking another term as its leader.
The details
Thune has indicated for months that he would run to keep his leadership post, and his plans were confirmed to The Washington Sun by a source close to the leader. He has also said he assumes he will seek a fifth term in 2028 and plans to begin the reelection decision process quickly.
Timeline
August 2026: Thune said it was his assumption he would seek a fifth term.
2026 midterm elections: Republicans lost at least six Senate seats.
Tuesday, November 10, 2026: Senate Republican leadership elections are scheduled.
2028: Thune is up for reelection.
Political Context
Thune's bid for a second term as Republican leader comes after the party lost at least six Senate seats, a result concentrated in states Trump won handily in 2024. Whether any Republican publicly challenges him before the November 10 vote will shape how the party's minority leadership is settled.
The leadership vote will determine who speaks for Senate Republicans during the minority period that begins after the midterms. Voters in 2028 may see Thune on the ballot in South Dakota, as he is up for reelection that year.
The takeaway
Leadership contests after an election loss often set the tone for how a party positions itself for the next cycle. Watch the November 10 vote to see whether Senate Republicans rally around their current leader or open a contest.
What happens next
Senate Republican leadership elections are scheduled for Tuesday, November 10, 2026, when the conference is expected to choose its leader.
Further reading
For more on the midterm results shaping leadership races, see Elections.
Live Poll
Should Republicans in the Senate keep John Thune as their leader after the midterm losses?
