Senate GOP Split Over Whether to Postpone Thune's Leadership Vote
Republican senators are divided on delaying leadership elections after losing their majority, though John Thune remains the sole candidate for the top post.
By Ana Castro ·
Senate Republicans are split on whether to delay their leadership elections after a decisive midterm loss.
The party lost at least seven seats on Tuesday, ending its two-decade control of the chamber. The party now faces a choice between confirming its current leadership immediately or taking a break to consider changes.
South Dakota Senator John Thune is the only candidate for the position of Republican leader. He has served in the role since early 2025. Despite the defeat, he remains popular with his colleagues and is expected to win the secret ballot.
The division centers on the timing of the vote. Some senators argue that a delay of one to four weeks would allow for a clearer plan for the minority. West Virginia Senator Jim Justice said the group needs to be thoughtful about its next steps. He noted that while no obvious alternative to Thune has emerged, the scale of the loss creates a legitimate argument for a leadership change. Justice also stated that the current leadership did not cause the defeat and performs its duties well.
Missouri Senator Josh Hawley expressed frustration with the process. He questioned the message sent by ratifying the same leadership immediately after such a loss. Hawley said he is not aware of any other candidates but suggested that waiting might encourage others to run. He characterized the closed-door meeting as frank and honest, with several members discussing their individual election results.
Wisconsin Senator Ron Johnson circulated a letter requesting a delay. He described the situation as requiring real soul-searching but admitted that the lack of other candidates is part of the problem. Oklahoma Senator Jim Lankford countered that there is widespread support for Thune. He argued that Thune listens to different viewpoints and maintains close relationships with the rank and file, a style that differs from his predecessor Mitch McConnell.
The leadership question is urgent because Republicans must pass war spending and other priorities before they fully cede power. Florida Senator Rick Scott said the party needs a plan to complete its agenda. He and other members are pushing Thune to keep the Senate in session around the clock in the coming weeks.
Thune has spent the last two years managing a relationship with President Donald Trump. The two have often clashed on policy, particularly regarding Senate rules and voting legislation. However, Trump hosted Thune and his family at the White House in October and called him a very fine man on Monday.
Thune is expected to emphasize his collaborative approach when he addresses the group. He will likely point to recent legislative wins, including tax and spending cuts and efforts to streamline the annual spending process. In a speech on Monday, Thune described the election night as tough but pledged to work with Democrats while opposing what he called socialist government.
Democrats are holding similar private discussions about their own leadership. New York Senator Chuck Schumer faces questions from members on both sides of his caucus. Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen and Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin have considered challenging him, but neither has announced a run. New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, who heads the Democratic Senate campaign arm, said Schumer has the support needed to retain his position.
The Senate is also working to finish its year-end business. An energy permitting bill passed on a bipartisan vote on Monday evening. Lawmakers are continuing to negotiate on government funding and other issues as they prepare for the next Congress.
