Challenges in the Life of John Thune in a Detailed Timeline

Life is full of challenges, and John Thune faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

John Thune is the senior United States Senator from South Dakota, serving since 2005. A Republican, he previously served as the U.S. Representative for South Dakota's at-large congressional district from 1997 to 2003. He became the Senate majority leader and Senate Republican leader in January 2025.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

May 1996: Hillard Leading Thune in Poll

In May 1996, a poll indicated that Carole Hillard was leading Thune by a margin of 69%-15% in the Republican primary race for South Dakota's lone seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

2002: Loss to Tim Johnson

In 2002, Thune ran against incumbent Democratic U.S. senator Tim Johnson and lost by only 524 votes.

2004: Expensive Senate Race

In 2004, the U.S. Senate race in South Dakota was the most expensive Senate race that year, costing $30 million, and the most expensive race in South Dakota's history. Daschle was labelled as an obstructionist of Bush's agenda.

March 2019: Voted against the Green New Deal resolution

In March 2019, John Thune, along with most Senate Republicans, opposed the Green New Deal resolution. Thune argued against the resolution's implementation, suggesting it would be "devastating and disastrous" for the agriculture economy in South Dakota and across the United States.

2020: Donald Trump criticizes Thune

In 2020, Thune "drew the wrath of Donald Trump for pushing back on the former president's false claims" that he won the 2020 presidential election.

2022: Attacked by Donald Trump on Twitter

In 2022, Donald Trump attacked Thune on Twitter, and called on Kristi Noem to challenge him in the US Senate primary, after Thune opposed efforts to challenge the 2020 presidential election results.