Early Life and Education of John Thune: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of John Thune. From birth to education, explore key events.

John Thune is the senior United States Senator from South Dakota, serving since 2005. A Republican, he previously served as a U.S. Representative for South Dakota from 1997 to 2003. He currently holds the position of Senate majority leader and Senate Republican leader, a role he has held since 2025. Thune is currently serving his fourth term in the Senate and is the dean of South Dakota's congressional delegation.

Sections (5)

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

1952: Ousting of Incumbent Floor Leader

In 1952, Arizona Senator Ernest McFarland lost to Barry Goldwater, marking the first ousting of an incumbent floor leader since then.

January 7, 1961: John Thune Born

On January 7, 1961, John Randolph Thune was born. He is an American politician who has served as the senior United States senator from South Dakota since 2005.

Others born on this day/year

1979: Graduation from High School

In 1979, John Thune graduated from Jones County High School, where he was active in basketball, track, and football.

1983: Bachelor of Arts Degree

In 1983, John Thune graduated from Biola University in California with a Bachelor of Arts degree in business.

1984: Thune married Kimberley Weems

In 1984, John Thune married Kimberley Weems of Doland, South Dakota.

1984: MBA Degree

In 1984, John Thune received a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of South Dakota.

2003: Daschle Decided Not to Run for President

In early 2003, Tom Daschle unexpectedly decided not to run for president, which surprised even some of his closest aides.

2004: Expensive Senate Race

In 2004, the U.S. Senate race in South Dakota was the most expensive Senate race that year and the most expensive race in South Dakota history, with a total of $30 million spent.

2008: Thune as a possible vice-presidential pick

In 2008, before Sarah Palin's selection, John Thune was mentioned as a potential vice-presidential pick for Republican nominee John McCain in the 2008 presidential election. Thune publicly played down the speculation.

March 2009: Voted Against National Service Corps Expansion

In March 2009, John Thune was one of 14 senators to vote against a procedural move that essentially guaranteed a major expansion of a national service corps.

2009: Thune featured in Runner's World Magazine

In 2012, John Thune was featured in Runner's World Magazine, which called him "the fastest man in Congress since 2009."

2012: Thune was on Mitt Romney's short list as a potential running mate

During the summer of 2012, the USA Today reported that John Thune was on Mitt Romney's short list as a potential running mate. Ultimately, Wisconsin Congressman Paul Ryan was selected instead.

2012: Thune featured in Runner's World Magazine

In 2012, John Thune was featured in Runner's World Magazine, which called him "the fastest man in Congress since 2009."

2012: Speculation about a potential 2012 presidential bid by Thune

In 2012, there was significant speculation regarding a potential 2012 presidential bid by John Thune. Thune was encouraged to run by Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell and South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham. DNC executive director Jennifer O'Malley Dillon publicly said that Thune was the one she feared. Multiple commentators asserted that a Thune presidential candidacy would be helped by his personal appearance.

2014: Bill Cost

In 2014, the Congressional Budget Office estimated that the bill would cost $5.7 billion from 2010 to 2014.

2016: Russian Interference

In June 2018, John Thune called on Special Counsel Robert Mueller to "start winding" down his investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election.

2018: Thune had five grandchildren

As of 2018, John Thune and his wife Kimberley had five grandchildren.

March 2019: Letter to Sonny Perdue

In March 2019, John Thune was one of 38 senators to sign a letter to U.S. secretary of agriculture Sonny Perdue warning that dairy farmers "have continued to face market instability and are struggling to survive the fourth year of sustained low prices" and urging his department to "strongly encourage these farmers to consider the Dairy Margin Coverage program."