John Thune's political career has been defined by resilience, strategic thinking, and the ability to tackle complex challenges. After ousting Sen. Tom Daschle, the influential Democratic majority leader, in 2004, Thune quickly faced one of his toughest battles: preventing the closure of Ellsworth Air Force Base, a key economic pillar in his home state of South Dakota . Successfully fending off that threat not only ensured his political future, but also taught him lessons that would shape his rise to the Senate.
Now, as Thune takes over as Senate majority leader, he faces another formidable test. Leading a chamber of 53 Republican senators, Thune must manage competing priorities while working with President-elect Donald J. Trump, whose demands often clash with the legislative process. The challenge begins immediately, as Thune will oversee the confirmation of Trump's nominees, many of which bring with them quite a bit of controversy. With a small Senate, he can afford to lose no more than three Republican votes, assuming Democrats remain united in opposition.
Thune's political path was marked by perseverance. After narrowly losing a Senate race in 2002, he returned two years later to defeat Daschle in a historic victory. That victory laid the foundation for his emergence as a leading figure in the Senate. His ability to navigate politically precarious situations, such as saving Ellsworth Air Force Base, solidified his reputation as a skilled legislator who could deliver results for his constituents.
A former high school basketball star from Murdo, South Dakota, and graduate of Biola University, Thune has long been known for his competitiveness and determination. His younger brother, Tim, remembers Thune's drive on the basketball court and in life, describing him as someone who always wanted the ball when the stakes were high. The same competitive spirit fueled Thune's rise in politics.
Thune's rise to Senate leadership was not without obstacles. In 2012, he considered a presidential run but ultimately decided against it. More recently, he considered retiring in 2022, but was persuaded to stay by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and the prospect of succeeding him. That decision paid off when Thune was elected majority leader, despite stiff competition from Senator John Cornyn of Texas.
Thune's leadership style deviates from McConnell's top-down approach. During McConnell's health-related absences in 2023, Thune had the opportunity to weigh in, earning praise from colleagues for his ability to foster consensus. While some have expressed concern that his affability could hinder his willingness to make tough decisions, Thune's allies say his pragmatic approach and ability to handle criticism will serve him well in his new role.
One of Thune's biggest challenges will be managing his relationship with Trump. The president-elect has been critical of Thune in the past, particularly after the South Dakota senator refused to support Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. Trump even pushed for a primary challenger against Thune in 2022, labeling him a “RINO” (Republican in Name Only). Despite this history, the two appear to have reached a working relationship, with Thune making efforts to mend ties, including visiting Trump at Mar-a-Lago.
Senator Kevin Cramer of North Dakota believes Trump has come to appreciate Thune's strengths, particularly his communication skills and media presence. “He likes the way Thune looks on TV,” Cramer noted, adding that Trump sees Thune as a valuable asset.
Thune has outlined an ambitious agenda for his tenure as majority leader. He plans to overhaul Senate procedures, pledging a full workweek rather than the abbreviated Monday-Thursday schedule that has become the norm. He also aims to pass a significant legislative package that combines border security, military funding and energy production, bypassing the filibuster to get it done quickly.
Thune pledged to reintroduce regular order to the Senate, allowing for greater opportunities for debate and amendments. While past leaders have made similar promises only to abandon them under political pressure, Thune seems determined to keep them. “The way the Senate operates today is not the way it will operate in the future,” he told reporters in December.
To balance the demands of Trump, his Republican colleagues and the legislative process, Thune will have to draw on his years of experience and his ability to navigate difficult situations. His early political career, marked by hard-fought victories and strategic decision-making, prepared him for this moment.
As Thune takes the reins, he faces a Senate eager for a new direction and a nation watching closely. His ability to get results while managing competing interests will define his legacy as majority leader. One thing is clear: Thune is ready to take the ball and lead.
