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 an American politician and the senior United States Senator from South Dakota, serving since 2005. As a Republican, he holds the position of Senate majority leader and Senate Republican leader since January 2025. Currently in his fourth Senate term, he has been the dean of South Dakota's congressional delegation since 2015. His career is defined by his leadership roles within the Republican party and his representation of South Dakota in the U.S. Senate.

Sections (5)

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

May 1996: Hillard leading Thune in Polls

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

October 3, 2017: Thune's Comments on the Las Vegas Shooting

On October 3, 2017, John Thune commented on the mass shooting in Las Vegas, suggesting that the shooter used conversion kits to make the weapons more lethal. He mentioned the need to prevent future tragedies, but also stated that it's hard to prevent anything in an open society and suggested people should take personal precautions to protect themselves.

December 2020: Thune Opposes Challenging 2020 Election Results

In December 2020, John Thune voiced his opposition to further efforts to challenge the 2020 presidential election results, suggesting such attempts would fail in the Senate. This stance led to attacks on Twitter from then-President Donald Trump, who called on South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem to challenge Thune in a 2022 U.S. Senate primary.

2022: Trump Ally Calls for Primary Challenge Against Thune

In 2022, Donald Trump, who contended that the election results were illegitimate and that he had defeated Democratic nominee Joe Biden, responded by attacking Thune on Twitter and publicly called on South Dakota governor Kristi Noem to challenge him in a 2022 U.S. Senate primary.