# Thune to run for second term as Senate GOP leader after midterm shellacking

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/thune-to-run-for-second-term-as-senate-gop-leader-after-midterm-shellacking/
- Published: 2026-11-04T17:11:06+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-04T17:42:13+00:00
- Original publisher: Washington Examiner (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/senate/4792161/john-thune-run-second-term-senate-gop-leader-midterm-election-loss/
- Topics: Elections, Government, Politics

## Key points

- John Thune will seek another term as Senate GOP leader.
- He is currently unopposed despite major Republican losses.
- Party leadership elections are due next week.

## Summary

Senator John Thune plans to seek a second term as Senate Republican leader, despite the party losing its majorities in both chambers in the midterms. He is currently unopposed and is widely seen as secure in the role, while House Speaker Mike Johnson has announced he will leave leadership.

Democrats gained seats in at least seven states, with two more possible in Alaska and Mississippi; House Democrats could exceed 250 seats. Thune had said before the election that he would run whether Republicans kept control or not. Republicans will hold closed-door leadership elections next week, amid criticism over the cost of living and the failure to pass Donald Trump’s election bill.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.