Sen. John Thune launches bid to succeed McConnell as Senate GOP leader

Sen. John Thune (R-SD) announced Monday that he will run to succeed outgoing Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) as the top Republican in the upper chamber.

Thune, the Senate minority whip, is McConnell’s current second-in-command and is technically next in line for the role, but he will likely face stiff competition from other GOPers for the coveted post. 

“Well, I hope to be, and I’m going to do everything I can to convince my colleagues,” Thune told local South Dakota new outlet KELO-TV when asked about his aspirations to lead the Senate GOP caucus. 

“They’re the voters. They’re the ones who ultimately make the decision. But as we look at a new generation of consistent, principled, conservative leadership in the United States Senate that empowers our Senate Republicans, that puts a check and balance against the Schumer, what has been a very liberal Schumer-Biden agenda, I’m prepared to lead that effort,” he added. 

In preparation for his run, Thune revealed in a separate interview with Dakota News Now that he’s already meeting with colleagues and “hearing from them about what they want to see in the next leader” and what the priorities should be if Republicans take control of the Senate after the November election. 

“For me, it’s really about trying to be a difference-maker,” Thune said. “I think I have something to contribute there. I think we’re ready for a new generation of consistent, principled, conservative leadership for Republicans in the United States Senate that empowers our individual members, gets back to doing things under regular order.”

“I think this is a real opportunity. Any transition is a chance for a reset. In my view, this is a chance for a reset and I’d like to be a part of it.”

Thune already has at least one challenger lined up – Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas). 

Cornyn entered the fray last week, becoming the first Republican to do so, just a day after 82-year-old McConnell’s surprise announcement  that he’ll step down as the Republican leader after the November elections.

“I believe the Senate is broken — that is not news to anyone. The good news is that it can be fixed, and I intend to play a major role in fixing it,” the Texas Republican said in his announcement. 

Cornyn and Thune have both endorsed former President Donald Trump. 

The 2024 GOP front-runner has not said who he’ll back for the top Republican Senate leadership spot.