John Thune's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of John Thune. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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

1998: Re-elected to U.S. House

In 1998, John Thune was re-elected to the U.S. House of Representatives with 75% of the vote.

2000: Re-elected to US House

In 2000, John Thune was re-elected to the U.S. House of Representatives with 73% of the vote.

November 2, 2004: Defeated Daschle

On November 2, 2004, John Thune defeated Tom Daschle by 4,508 votes, winning 51% of the vote.

2006: ACU Rating

In 2006, The American Conservative Union gave Senator Thune a rating of 100.

July 2008: Thune's comment on the Bush administration's moves in Iraq

In July 2008, John Thune remarked that the Bush administration's actions in Iraq had been a "remarkable success," highlighting an 80 percent decrease in civilian casualties. Thune also criticized Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama for not acknowledging the progress made due to the surge.

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."

2010: ACU Rating

In 2010, The American Conservative Union gave Senator Thune a rating of 100 again.

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."

September 2020: Thune supported an immediate vote on Trump's nominee to fill the Supreme Court vacancy

In September 2020, less than two months before the next presidential election, John Thune supported an immediate vote on President Trump's nominee to fill the Supreme Court vacancy caused by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's death.