Senate Minority Whip John Thune, R-S.D., has taken the lead in the Senate race, showcasing his commitment to bolstering GOP candidates across the country. Thune’s efforts are not only aimed at securing victories for his fellow Republicans but also positioning himself as a potential leader within the party.
Thune’s active campaign schedule has seen him crisscrossing battleground states in the run-up to the election, making appearances alongside various Republican candidates. Despite the Senate being in recess for the month of October, Thune shows no signs of slowing down as he works tirelessly to support his party’s candidates.
This weekend, Thune is scheduled to be in Nevada for events with Senate candidate Sam Brown, who is challenging incumbent Sen. Jacky Rosen, D-Nev. Following his Nevada visit, Thune will head to New York City to raise funds for Brown and several other GOP candidates, including Kari Lake in Arizona, Bernie Moreno in Ohio, Dave McCormick in Pennsylvania, and former Rep. Mike Rogers in Michigan, as well as the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC).
Thune’s efforts to boost Republican candidates extend beyond the campaign trail. He has also been engaging in an array of events with senators who are not up for re-election, solidifying his support within the GOP conference. Thune’s strategic approach to the leadership race has garnered praise from political insiders, who recognize the importance of both fundraising and public appearances in securing Senate votes.
As one of three announced leader candidates, Thune faces competition from Sens. John Cornyn, R-Texas, and Rick Scott, R-Fla. Cornyn, known for his prolific fundraising abilities, has been actively campaigning alongside GOP candidates in battleground states, emphasizing his track record of raising substantial funds for the party. Thune, on the other hand, has raised over $29 million this cycle, with expectations to reach $30 million during his October travels.
Thune’s fundraising efforts have been particularly noteworthy, with a recent record-breaking $4 million transfer to the NRSC to support competitive races. His lifetime transfers to the GOP campaign arm now exceed $9 million, showcasing his commitment to advancing the party’s agenda. Additionally, Thune has been actively engaging with donors and supporters, headlining nearly 200 events this cycle for Republican candidates and the NRSC.
While Thune has been making more publicized appearances on the road compared to his fellow leader candidates, Cornyn has been focusing on fundraising in his home state of Texas. Texas, known for its conservative donor base, presents a significant opportunity for GOP candidates seeking financial support.
Thune’s leadership aspirations have also garnered public endorsements from colleagues like Sens. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., and Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla. These endorsements signal Thune’s growing influence within the party and his ability to rally support from fellow Republicans.
As Thune and his fellow leader candidates continue their campaign efforts, the race for Senate leadership remains highly competitive. With fundraising, public appearances, and endorsements playing a crucial role in determining the next GOP leader, Thune’s strategic approach and commitment to supporting Republican candidates position him as a formidable contender in the race.