GOP senators undecided on Thune as leader
The gist
Senate Republicans paused their leadership election after conservatives demanded a strategic plan for the lame-duck session.
Thune, running unopposed, faces open questions over the party's direction after midterm losses.
How it unfolded
- Nov 3, 2026Republicans suffered steep midterm losses that cost them their Senate majority, losing at least seven seats.
- Nov 4, 2026Thune said he would run for minority leader in the 120th Congress; Senate Republican leadership elections were scheduled for Nov. 10 at 9 a.m. in the Old Senate Chamber.
- Nov 7, 2026 -8, 2026Sen. Dave McCormick (R-Pa.) said Republicans shouldn't choose a leader until the lessons of the election have been "digested and debated."
Key terms
- lame-duck session
- The period after an election but before the successor takes office, when outgoing officials still serve.
- minority leader
- A U.S. senator chosen by their party caucus to serve as chief spokesperson and leader of the chamber's majority party.
- 120th Congress
- The upcoming two-year session of the U.S. federal legislature, made up of the Senate and House of Representatives.
Source: Wikipedia