John Thune as their leader on Tuesday (November 11, 2026) after a tense day of private discussions about steep losses in the midterm elections that cost them their majority. U.S. Senate Republicans reelected South Dakota Sen.
But Senate Republicans vented their frustrations in three separate meetings on Tuesday (November 11, 2026) after an election wipeout that cost them at least seven Senate seats. In a Senate floor speech on Monday (November 9, 2026), his first extended remarks since the election, Mr. Mr. Thune was always expected to prevail, as he is popular with his GOP colleagues and was running unopposed in the secret-ballot election. Republicans’ angst and indecision come as frustrated Republicans are just beginning to reckon with what the election results mean for their future — and for their relationship with President Donald Trump, as voters resoundingly rejected their two years of single-party rule in Congress and the White House. Two additional Senate races remain uncalled in Alaska and Mississippi that could further deplete their numbers. Republicans in the meeting were also pushing Mr. Thune to stay in session around the clock in the coming weeks to push through war spending and other party priorities before they lose power in January. Rick Scott. While backing Mr. Trump on most policies, Mr. Thune has refused to change Senate rules and scrap the filibuster to pass voting legislation that would require proof of citizenship for all voters — a position that frustrated Mr. Trump and enraged some in the president’s political base. Still, Mr. Trump hosted Mr. Thune and his family at the White House in October.
“We need a plan to get the Republican agenda done,” said Florida Sen. He said the conference needs to do some “real soul-searching” but also conceded that there was no one else on the ballot. He said that the GOP leader is “a very fine man. The election is “up to the Senate,” Mr. Trump said. Thune said the midterm election was a “tough night” and previewed his pitch to his colleagues who may be looking for answers on how they will navigate the minority.
Before the meeting, Johnson, the Wisconsin senator, had circulated a letter asking for the delay.
