Thune seeks minority role after GOP loses five seats

Senate Majority Leader John Thune intends to run for the Republican minority leader position following the party's loss of its chamber majority in Tuesday's midterm elections. A source close to the South Dakota senator confirmed the plan to Fox News Digital. The move comes as Republicans face a sharp drop in power and internal questions about their recent performance.

Republicans surrendered at least five Senate seats in the contest. Defeats occurred in Texas and South Carolina, two states that have historically favored the party. The outcome reversed the partisan balance in the chamber and expanded the Democratic margin. The election followed a dip in President Donald Trump's approval ratings. His administration faced criticism regarding the war in Iran, immigration enforcement, and high gasoline prices.

Thune defended the legislative record of Senate Republicans during a social media post. He stated that the group's work contributed to safer communities and provided more financial resources for Americans. He also claimed the party delivered opportunities for families and businesses. Thune emphasized efforts to advance Trump's legislative priorities and confirm nominees despite Democratic opposition.

The senator cited specific achievements, including preventing what he called the largest tax increase in American history. He said the party secured the border to an unprecedented degree. Thune noted that the Senate confirmed Trump's Cabinet faster than at any point in twenty years. He added that conservative judges were appointed at a pace not seen since the Reagan administration.

Criticism of Thune's leadership emerged earlier in 2026 from Trump and House Republicans. The dispute centered on legislation that failed to advance, specifically the SAVE America Act. This election integrity bill passed the House three times but stalled in the Senate. Republicans could not secure the 60 votes needed to overcome a filibuster.

It is uncertain if another Republican will challenge Thune. A separate source close to the Senate Republican majority told Fox News Digital that his bid could provoke backlash. That source argued the conference failed to deliver key promises tied to Trump's agenda. The source suggested these shortcomings may have discouraged Republican voter turnout.

The source pointed to the Senate schedule as a factor in the loss. The chamber met for 217 days in 2025 and 148 days in 2026. The source linked this schedule to record-low approval ratings among Republican voters and weaker turnout on Tuesday. The source suggested that outspoken Trump allies, including Utah Senator Mike Lee, could offer alternatives to Thune.