John Thune has represented South Dakota in the U.S. Senate since 2005. He’s one of the highest-ranking Republicans in Washington — long-serving leadership, calm on camera, and extremely disciplined on message.
Thune’s priorities line up with South Dakota’s core economy: agriculture, rail and highway infrastructure, telecommunications and rural broadband, and predictable, low-tax conditions for producers. He’s helped shape federal farm policy, corporate and individual tax cuts, and national defense strategy.
Supporters see him as steady, credible, and effective for a small rural state. Critics on the populist right argue he’s too “establishment,” too leadership-aligned, and not confrontational enough in the culture war era.
Mainstream Conservative
Achievements
- Championed federal farm bill priorities for producers
- Helped pass major federal tax cut packages and business incentives
- Promoted rural broadband and telecom modernization
- Worked on rail, highway, and freight policy for Midwest export access
- Influential in national security and defense planning from leadership
Controversies
- Criticized by the populist wing for being too aligned with GOP leadership
- Opposed certain climate and emissions measures backed by environmental groups
- Faced pushback from some ag interests over trade shocks and tariff battles
- Scrutinized for supporting corporate tax breaks and deregulation
- Accused of being cautious instead of combative in partisan fights
Top Donors
| Donor | Total | Individuals | PACs |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Israel Public Affairs Cmte | $122,100 | $120,000 | $2,100 |
| Sanford Health | $95,552 | $95,552 | $0 |
| Capital Group | $67,600 | $67,600 | $0 |
| Brownstein, Hyatt et al | $52,460 | $38,960 | $13,500 |
| Delta Air Lines | $52,210 | $42,210 | $10,000 |
Amounts shown reflect organization-linked giving; most funds listed here are from individual donors or aligned PACs.
Recent Elections
2010 Margin R +43.3%
2016 Margin R +43.0%
2022 Margin R +26.5%