US News

Thune reportedly plans to seek GOP leadership post despite midterm losses

A source close to Thune confirmed his plans as outlets report differing counts of Republican Senate seats lost.

Published Nov 4, 2026 · 13:49 UTC2 reports

The short version

Senate Majority Leader John Thune is expected to seek another term leading Senate Republicans, according to reporting.[The Washington Sun · Fox News]
Reports differ on the number of Senate seats Republicans lost, with counts of at least five and at least six.[The Washington Sun · Fox News]
Senate Republican leadership elections are set for Tuesday, Nov. 10, and no other Republican has publicly challenged Thune.[The Washington Sun]
It remains unclear whether Thune will face a challenger for the leadership post.[Fox News]

Thune is expected to run for a second term atop the Senate Republican conference, according to The Washington Sun.[The Washington Sun]
A source close to Thune told Fox News Digital that he intends to run for Senate minority leader.[Fox News]
Senate Republican leadership elections are scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 10.[The Washington Sun]
No other Republican has publicly said they would challenge Thune for the leadership position.[The Washington Sun]
The Washington Sun reports that Republicans lost at least six seats, while Fox News reports at least five seats were lost.[The Washington Sun · Fox News]

The number of Senate seats Republicans lost is disputed, with reports citing at least five and at least six.[The Washington Sun · Fox News]
It remains unclear whether Thune will face a challenger for the Senate Republican leadership position.[Fox News]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.