Thune to Run for Minority Leader Amidst GOP Leadership Elections
John Thune is set to vie for the role of minority leader in the upcoming Republican leadership elections, scheduled for November 10, 2026.
In a significant move within the Republican Party, Senator John Thune has reportedly decided to run for the position of minority leader in the upcoming GOP leadership elections, which are set to take place on November 10, 2026, at 9 a.m. in the historic Old Senate Chamber 1. This decision comes as Thune, who has been serving as the majority leader for nearly two years, navigates the changing landscape of party leadership following the recent midterm elections 1.
The leadership contest is expected to be closely watched, with Senator John Barrasso also seeking to maintain his role as majority whip in the minority 1. Both Thune and Barrasso bring extensive experience to the table, with Thune being 65 years old and Barrasso 74 1. However, the path ahead for the Republicans is challenging, as they face the possibility of a Democratic majority exceeding 250 seats in the House, along with gains in at least seven states in the Senate 4.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, Senator Rick Scott has not indicated any intention to challenge Thune for the leadership position, leaving Thune as the primary contender for the minority leader role 1. The 120th Congress is anticipated to convene early in the following year, setting the stage for what promises to be a pivotal period for the Republican Party 3.
The upcoming leadership elections will be crucial for the Republicans, as they aim to regroup and strategize following their recent electoral setbacks. With the Democrats poised to potentially hold a majority exceeding 250 seats in the House and having made gains in several states, the Republicans will need strong leadership to navigate the political landscape effectively 4.
What we know
- John Thune will run for minority leader in the upcoming GOP leadership elections 1
- The leadership elections for Senate Republicans will occur on November 10, 2026, at 9 a.m. in the Old Senate Chamber 1
- John Thune has been serving as the majority leader for almost two years 1
- John Barrasso will seek to retain his position as majority whip in the minority 1
- Rick Scott did not plan to challenge Thune for the leadership position 1
- The 120th Congress will begin early in the following year 3
- Democrats gained seats in at least seven states in the Senate 4
- Democrats could have a majority exceeding 250 seats in the House 4
Trust Score report
Partly unverified — probability of truth 62%, weighted across 14 claims from 4 independent outlets.
- likely John Thune will run for minority leader in the upcoming GOP leadership elections. (71%)
- likely The leadership elections for Senate Republicans will occur on November 10, 2026, at 9 a.m. in the Old Senate Chamber. (71%)
- unverified Democrats are expected to control between 54 to 56 seats in the next Congress. (53%)
- unverified Democrats won control of both chambers of Congress. (47%)
- unverified Republicans will hold 44 Senate seats in the upcoming Congress. (47%)
- likely John Thune has been serving as the majority leader for almost two years. (71%)
- likely John Barrasso will seek to retain his position as majority whip in the minority. (71%)
- likely John Thune is 65 years old and John Barrasso is 74 years old. (71%)
- likely Rick Scott did not plan to challenge Thune for the leadership position. (71%)
- likely The 120th Congress will begin early in the following year. (68%)
- likely Democrats gained seats in at least seven states in the Senate. (67%)
- likely Democrats could have a majority exceeding 250 seats in the House. (67%)
- likely The Senate Republicans failed to pass the SAVE America Act. (67%)
- unverified Leadership elections for Republicans will take place in closed-door sessions next week. (46%)
Sources
- Roll Call — Thune to run for minority leader
https://rollcall.com/2026/11/04/thune-to-run-for-minority-leader/ - The Hill Senate — Thune: Republicans ‘will not stand idly by’ under Democratic majority
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/6197030-john-thune-2026-midterms-democratic-victories/ - Fox News — Majority Leader Thune says Senate GOP won't 'stand idly by' as Democrats take control of Congress
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/majority-leader-thune-says-senate-gop-wont-stand-idly-by-democrats-take-control-congress - Washington Examiner Congress — Thune to run for second term as Senate GOP leader after midterm shellacking
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/senate/4792161/john-thune-run-second-term-senate-gop-leader-midterm-election-loss/