John Randolph Thune, a 63-year-old South Dakota Republican, will take over as Senate majority leader in January, leading a new Senate Republican majority of at least 52 with the incoming Trump administration. Despite failing in his first attempt for the Senate two decades ago, Thune’s persistence and ability to build consensus have earned him the top spot.
Thune’s leadership style was seen as crucial in his victory over Senator John Cornyn of Texas in a competitive race. Republicans preferred Thune’s more moderate approach, which prioritized building consensus over loyalty to President-elect Donald Trump. Fellow Senator Mike Rounds described Thune as “a comfortable choice” who represents the party’s values.
Thune’s path to leadership was not without challenges. He lost his first Senate election in 2002 but learned valuable lessons about winning elections in South Dakota. His next victory came in 2004, where he narrowly defeated Democratic leader Tom Daschle. Thune has since established a reputation as a skilled lawmaker and compelling communicator.
However, Thune’s relationship with Trump is complex, having clashed on several occasions, including over Trump’s presidential campaign and the January 6 Capitol attack. Despite this, Republicans believe Thune will lead with independence and build consensus, rather than following a specific agenda.
As Senate majority leader, Thune faces significant challenges, including unifying the party and pushing through legislative priorities. However, his experience in chairing the Commerce Committee and deep involvement in agricultural issues make him well-suited to tackle these tasks. With his ability to balance competing interests and build consensus, Thune is poised to lead a more productive Senate.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/13/us/john-tune-senate-republican-leader.html