John Thune is a prominent American politician and the senior United States senator from South Dakota.
Born on January 7, 1961, in Pierre, South Dakota, he grew up in the small town of Murdo, where he developed an early interest in public service and politics.
He is known for his conservative Republican stance, his leadership roles in the Senate, and his reputation as a respected figure in Washington.
Siblings
John is one of five children born to Harold Richard Thune, a high school teacher, coach, and World War II combat pilot, and Yvonne Patricia Thune, who worked as a school librarian.
He has three older brothers, namely Bob, Tichard, and Tim, and one sister, Karen.
The older siblings, including Bob and Rich, attended Biola University before John followed in their footsteps.
Career
Thune’s career in public service began after he earned a bachelor’s degree from Biola University in 1983 and a master’s in business administration from the University of South Dakota in 1984.
Early roles included working as a staff member for U.S. Senator James Abdnor and at the Small Business Administration during the Reagan administration.
He returned to South Dakota to serve as executive director of the South Dakota Republican Party from 1989 to 1991, director of the State Railroad Division from 1991 to 1993, and director of the South Dakota Municipal League from 1993 to 1996.
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In 1996, he was elected to represent South Dakota’s at-large congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives, serving from 1997 to 2003 and honoring his pledge to limit himself to three terms.
After a narrow loss in a 2002 Senate race, he successfully challenged and defeated Senate Democratic Leader Tom Daschle in 2004, becoming the first to unseat a sitting Senate party leader in over five decades.
Thune has served in the Senate since 2005, winning reelection in 2010 (unopposed), 2016, and 2022.
His Senate roles have included chief deputy whip, chair of the Republican Policy Committee, chair of the Republican Conference, and Senate Republican whip (majority and minority).
In November 2024, he was elected Senate Republican leader, assuming the position of Senate majority leader in 2025 following Republicans gaining control of the chamber.
Accolades
Thune has chaired key committees, including the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee during the 114th and 115th Congresses, where he advanced issues like telecommunications infrastructure and renewable energy.
He played a significant role in passing major legislation such as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
In 2009, he received the Golden Triangle Award, the highest legislative honor from the National Farmers Union.
More recently, in 2024, the Orrin G. Hatch Foundation presented him with the Titan of Public Service Award for his dedication to impactful service and contributions to the nation.
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