Q&A: Thune Says Republicans Can Hold Their Majority — If They Stop Fighting Each Other

Thune: Voters will judge GOP based on the economy

The Senate Majority Leader said in an interview with South Dakota reporters that higher gas prices from the war in Iran and other economic factors create significant headwinds going into the midterm elections in November.

Q&A: Thune says Republicans can hold their majority — if they stop fighting each other

U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-South Dakota, left, speaks with attendees including South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden, right, during a groundbreaking on Aug. 14, 2026, for a construction project at Southeast Technical College in Sioux Falls. (Photo by Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight)SIOUX FALLS — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune’s Republican Party faces midterm elections amid economic anxiety, high gas prices and a war with …