MITCHELL, S.D. (AP) — From the ornate surroundings of Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago to the humble town of Murdo, South Dakota, Sen. John Thune is on a quest to become the next Senate Republican leader. This spring, he embarked on a campaign to secure his position as the party transitions away from the long-standing leadership of Mitch McConnell.
Thune, 63, is approaching this leadership contest with a quiet determination, honed through years of competition on the basketball court and track. As the anticipated secret ballot for leadership draws near after the November elections, Thune's chances remain uncertain. His bid symbolizes a pivotal choice for Senate Republicans as they navigate the evolving dynamics of the party, especially regarding Trump's influence.
In addition to Thune, Senators John Cornyn of Texas, a former whip and prolific fundraiser, and Rick Scott of Florida, a Trump supporter, are also in the race, with potential new candidates still considering a run.
Thune has openly grappled with his role within the GOP, reflecting on whether he should seek reelection in 2022 despite a clear path to leadership ahead of him. “You tire of just the day-to-day combat,” he admitted, acknowledging his unique style may not align with the current political climate. Yet he felt compelled to provide common-sense leadership as McConnell stepped aside.
His recent visit to Mar-a-Lago was part of his strategy to foster a working relationship with Trump, which he hopes will bolster his leadership bid. “I think he understands where I’m coming from,” Thune said, expressing optimism about their potential collaboration.
Thune’s political journey has been marked by resilience. He faced a narrow defeat in the 2002 Senate race but later unseated then-Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle. His athletic background has instilled in him a competitive edge, reflected in his recent commitment of $4 million to the Senate GOP's campaign efforts and proactive engagement with colleagues to secure support.
However, his drive for leadership places him in a challenging position: balancing traditional Republican values with the populist approach championed by Trump. Following his critique of Trump’s post-election actions in 2020, Thune has since shifted his stance, asserting Trump can be trusted with the presidency while recognizing the complexities of the transfer of power.
“My expectation is that he’s going to follow democratic norms,” Thune remarked, emphasizing the importance of the rule of law.
Thune's competitive spirit extends beyond politics. His memories of high school basketball—where he often prioritized scoring over teamwork—demonstrate a deep-seated desire to win. This mentality, shaped by the lessons of his upbringing and his faith, drives his commitment to his political career.
Despite his approachable demeanor, Thune is acutely aware of the shifting landscape of the GOP. His recent interactions at public events illustrate the pressure he faces as constituents demand clarity on his efforts to support Trump’s return to power.
As he enters the final stretch of this leadership race, Thune embodies the tenacity of an 800-meter runner determined to finish strong. “It’s a brutal race,” he acknowledges. “But you’ve got to gut it out.”
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