Washington – Senate Republicans on Tuesday reaffirmed John Thune of South Dakota as their leader, voting 31‑15 to move forward after a day of private discussions about the party’s steep midterm losses. Thune, who ran unopposed in the secret‑ballot election, was praised by many colleagues for his collaborative style and his commitment to advancing the conservative agenda that President Trump championed.
Leadership Vote Amidst Losses
Thune’s acclamation came after three separate meetings where GOP senators vented frustration over the loss of at least seven Senate seats. While some, like Sen. Jim Justice of West Virginia, questioned whether the same leadership should remain after such a defeat, they also acknowledged that the current leadership “didn’t cause this problem to happen” and “do a good job.”
Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri, who voted to delay the vote, warned, “If you don’t think after losing seven Senate seats we need to change course, I don’t know what planet you’re on.” Yet he ultimately supported Thune’s continued service, noting no alternative candidate emerged.
Thune’s Plan for the Final Two Months
After the vote, Thune told his colleagues, “We’re going to make the most of the time we’ve got.” He outlined a strategy to push through remaining Republican priorities before the new Democratic majority assumes office in January. The conference adopted a resolution to confirm every judicial and executive nominee the GOP approves, signaling an aggressive push on appointments.
Senators Rick Scott (FL) and Ron Johnson (WI) echoed the urgency, emphasizing the need to finish the “Republican agenda” while still in the majority. Key items include funding the government, confirming President Trump’s nominees, and pursuing bipartisan energy permitting legislation that recently passed with a bipartisan vote.
Trump’s Endorsement and Ongoing Relationship
President Donald Trump, who hosted Thune and his family at the White House in October, praised the Senate leader as “a very fine man.” Trump added that the upcoming Senate election will be “up to the Senate,” underscoring his confidence in the party’s ability to rebound.
Thune has navigated a sometimes‑tense relationship with Trump over the past two years. While backing most of the president’s policies, Thune has resisted calls to eliminate the filibuster to pass voting‑rights legislation that would require proof of citizenship for all voters—a stance that has frustrated some in the president’s base.
Looking Ahead
With two Senate races still uncalled in Alaska and Mississippi, the GOP’s final seat count could shift further. Nonetheless, Thune and his leadership team are focused on maximizing the remaining weeks of Republican control, aiming to cement the tax and spending cuts enacted under President Trump and to assert conservative priorities on issues ranging from energy policy to judicial appointments.
“We’re not going to be running this place next year, the Democrats are,” Thune said. “But you can be assured that we will be very, very active in asserting conservative priorities.”
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
