SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — Republican U.S. Sen. John Thune told KELOLAND News Tuesday night he’s hopeful the GOP will gain a majority in the U.S. Senate.
“”In the Senate, we are very hopeful we can get a majority, not just a one vote majority but a little bit beyond that,” Thune said. “It would be great to get to 53 or 54 seats in the U.S. Senate. “I do think 52 is achievable.”
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The path to the Republican majority would be similar to possible presidential results where Republican former President Donald Trump wins in West Virginia, Ohio and Montana. Thune said that would lead to 52 GOP seats.
If the Republicans win seats Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan or Wisconsin the majority would increase to 53 or 54, Thune said.
Thune has been among the Republican leaders who has spent money on U.S. Senate campaigns across the U.S. “We’ve invested heavily in a lot of these competitive Senate races,” Thune said.
“More than a little money…,” Thune said.
The Hill reported on Sept. 10 that Thune would be transferring about $4 million from his campaign account to the National Republican Senatorial Committee.
Other political publications and media have also reported that Thune formed a super PAC with millions in donations to U.S. Senate races outside of South Dakota.
The election could also have a impact on Thune’s leadership role in the U.S. Senate.
Twenty years after first being elected to the U.S Senate, Thune could be elected to one of the most powerful roles in the federal government.
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Depending on the results of the 2024 election, Thune could be the next Senate Minority or Majority Leader. Current minority leader Sen. Mitch McConnell plans to retire from the role at the end of the year. Thune is already the Minority Whip in the Senate.
The Majority Leader is considered the most powerful role in the U.S Senate.
Thune said he was also hopeful that he would be elected in a vote next week.
The minority leader is the principal leader for the minority party on the Senate floor. As minority leader, Thune would act as the spokesperson for the minority party’s policy positions The minority leader also helps direct the minority party’s overall legislative agenda.
Thune, along with Sen. John Cornyn, are considered the frontrunners for the position. The Republican party elects its leader in a secret ballot on Nov. 13.
