Thune, John

John Thune is a Republican politician from South Dakota who has served in the United States Senate since 2005 and was elected Senate Majority Leader in 2024. He previously represented South Dakota's at-large congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1997 to 2003. Born in Pierre and raised in Murdo, Thune earned his undergraduate degree from Biola University and an MBA from the University of South Dakota. Before entering Congress, he worked as a legislative aide to Senator James Abdnor, served in the Small Business Administration under President Ronald Reagan, and held leadership roles as the state's railroad director and executive director of the South Dakota Municipal League.

Throughout his legislative career, Thune has been a prominent voice on agricultural, economic, and infrastructure policy. He currently serves on the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; the Committee on Finance; and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. His policy focus often centers on rural interests, including broadband expansion, renewable energy, and tax reform. Notable legislative efforts include the Fertilizer Transparency Act of 2026 and various water supply projects for South Dakota. He has also been a consistent advocate for the repeal of the federal estate tax and for limiting federal regulatory oversight of agricultural practices.

Thune has held several high-ranking leadership positions within the Republican caucus, including serving as the Republican Whip and Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference. His 2004 election to the Senate was historic, as he defeated sitting Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle, marking the first time in over 50 years that an incumbent party leader lost a reelection bid. As Senate Majority Leader, he continues to shape the national legislative agenda while maintaining a focus on the economic and agricultural needs of his home state.