Sen. John Thune of South Dakota plans to run for another term as the top Senate Republican, this time as minority leader, after the Nov. 3 midterms cost the party its majority in both chambers, according to the Washington Examiner.
The Examiner reported that Thune is "so far unopposed." The report rests on an unnamed source close to the senator, and the notes show no on-record statement from Thune or his office confirming the run. That matters because Republicans choose their leaders next week.
The contrast with the House is plain. House Speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana announced Wednesday morning that he would step down from leadership. Thune, so far, has no announced challenger.
A Leader Without a Challenger, for Now
Newsmax reported that Thune had signaled before the election that he would seek another term as leader whether or not Republicans held the majority. Newsmax described him as widely viewed as likely to keep the post, which is that outlet's characterization, and said he faces no announced challenger.
The word "announced" leaves room for a later challenge. The Examiner's headline on a related story, which we did not read in full, refers to Thune as MAGA's midterm "fall guy" with a "voting bill crusade." Republicans choose leaders in closed-door elections next week.
On Tuesday night, Thune posted on social media. In the post, as quoted by Newsmax, he said Senate Republicans "will not stand idly by as the far-left, socialist wing of the Democrat Party attempts to unwind everything we've done."
How Deep the Hole Is
According to Newsmax, Democrats flipped Senate seats in at least seven states, with races in Alaska and Mississippi still unresolved. The Mississippi contest stands out: President Trump carried the state by more than 20 points in 2024. In the House, Democrats were positioned to potentially pass 250 seats.
Because Alaska and Mississippi remain undecided, the Senate seat count can still change, and final control of the chamber is not confirmed in the reporting we reviewed.
As for why it happened, Newsmax reported that Republicans cited the president's tariffs and the war with Iran as factors, and that criticism has also focused on the party's handling of living costs. Newsmax attributed that explanation only broadly to "Republicans," not to named officials.
Newsmax also reported that conservatives faulted Senate Republicans for failing to pass the SAVE America Act, which the outlet called Trump's signature election bill.
The House Side
Newsmax reported that Johnson told staff Wednesday he would not seek to remain the top House Republican. Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio and Majority Leader Steve Scalise of Louisiana are both seeking to lead the House GOP conference in the minority.
Further down the ladder, Majority Whip Tom Emmer of Minnesota faces a challenge for minority whip from Rep. August Pfluger of Texas, chairman of the Republican Study Committee.
What Comes Next
Congress returns next week for what the Examiner's subhead calls a busy lame-duck session, and House and Senate Republicans will hold closed-door leadership elections. Between now and then, the open questions are whether Thune confirms his plans on the record, whether anyone challenges him, and how Alaska and Mississippi are decided.
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