About John Thune
U.S. Senator John Thune, R-SD
Senator John Thune was raised in Murdo, South Dakota, where his interest in public service began early—sparked by a chance encounter with then-Rep. Jim Abdnor after a high school basketball game. That meeting led to a mentorship and a career in politics.
John earned his undergraduate degree from Biola University and an MBA from the University of South Dakota. He began his career in Washington, D.C., working for Sen. Abdnor and later at the Small Business Administration under President Reagan. He returned to South Dakota to serve in various leadership roles, including executive director of the state GOP and the South Dakota Municipal League.
In 1996, John was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he served three terms. In 2004, he made history by defeating a sitting Democrat Senate party leader and has since been re-elected three times to the U.S. Senate.
Currently serving as Senate Majority Leader, John also sits on the Agriculture, Commerce, and Finance Committees. He previously served as Senate Republican Whip and held multiple leadership positions within the Republican Conference.
John and his wife Kimberley live in Sioux Falls. They have two daughters and six grandchildren. He enjoys family time, pheasant hunting, and running.
The Senate Majority Leader is the chief spokesperson and legislative strategist for the majority party in the U.S. Senate. Responsibilities include scheduling floor votes, shaping the legislative agenda, negotiating with the minority party, and coordinating party strategy on key legislation. The Majority Leader plays a central role in advancing or blocking bills and presidential nominations.