Senator John Thune, a Republican from South Dakota, who has served in the U.S. Senate since 2005 has been elected by his colleagues as the next Senate majority leader.
Thune is well-regarded by Republican senators for his breadth of knowledge in policy and legislative strategy. Known for his calm demeanor and effective coalition-building, he has built a reputation as a bridge between conservative and more moderate wings of the GOP.
#BREAKING: Senator John Thune elected GOP Senate Majority Leader
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) November 13, 2024
Before his Senate tenure, Thune served as a U.S. Representative and has steadily risen in party leadership, previously holding the role of Senate minority whip.
Despite that, he has experienced tension with some members of the Make America Great Again movement, primarily due to his actions following the 2020 presidential election. In December 2020, Thune publicly opposed efforts to challenge the election results, stating that such attempts would “go down like a shot dog” in the Senate. This stance led then-President Donald Trump to criticize Thune on social media and encourage South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem to challenge him in a primary.
Despite these past disagreements, Thune has worked to mend his relationship with President-elect Trump and his supporters. In his bid for Senate majority leader, Thune has sought to align more closely with Trump’s agenda, aiming to gain favor among MAGA Republicans.
The effort has been successful on Capitol Hill, though many conservative activists online appear displeased.
🚨 #BREAKING: John Thune WINS the vote for Senate Majority Leader over John Cornyn
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) November 13, 2024
29-24
The Senate has BETRAYED Americans. pic.twitter.com/crnKrzBuX0
We need Patriots ready to step up and primary every single Senator that voted for John Thune and John Cornyn
— Hodgetwins (@hodgetwins) November 13, 2024
Others tempered their rhetoric.
John Thune is Senate Majority Leader.
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) November 13, 2024
He has a short window to show us he will support President Trump, fill his cabinet, confirm his judges, and pass his agenda.
If he does, we will support him.
If he doesn't, we will work to remove him.
This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.
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Thune is phuckin’ rino!!! We get control of the whole shitaree and the friggin’ bums in the republican majority throw our advantage away by picking this deadbeat saq-o-crap!!, Again, these slobs are desperately trying to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. What a damn joke…
We need to get rid of ALL Never Trumpers and RINOS. THUNE is BOTH!!!