John Thune’s journey to becoming a prominent figure in American politics, culminating in his role as Senate Majority Leader, is a story rooted in the values of South Dakota. His initial spark of interest in public service wasn’t ignited in a grand political arena, but rather on a high school basketball court. After a freshman game where he made five out of six free throws, a spectator approached him with a simple comment: “I noticed you missed one.” That spectator was none other than Jim Abdnor, then a U.S. Representative for South Dakota and a well-known figure in the state. This seemingly small interaction blossomed into a friendship that would set the course for Thune’s impactful career in public service.
Born and raised in Murdo, South Dakota, Thune pursued higher education at Biola University for his undergraduate degree before earning a master’s degree in business administration from the University of South Dakota in 1984. That same year marked another significant milestone as he married Kimberley Weems, a South Dakota native from Doland. His formal foray into the political world began in Washington, D.C., where he worked for Senator Jim Abdnor, the very man who had sparked his initial interest. His early Washington experience also included a presidential appointment by Ronald Reagan to serve at the Small Business Administration, providing him with valuable insights into the workings of government and the needs of American businesses.
Senator John Thune official portrait. As Senate Majority Leader, Thune is a prominent figure in US politics, representing South Dakota and leading Republican initiatives in the Senate.
In 1989, Thune returned to his home state, taking on the role of executive director for the South Dakota Republican Party. His commitment to public service continued as he was appointed state railroad director by then-Governor George S. Mickelson in 1991, a position he held until 1993. He further broadened his experience by becoming executive director of the South Dakota Municipal League. These roles at the state level honed his understanding of local governance and the concerns of South Dakotans.
Thune’s move to the national political stage came in 1996 when he successfully ran for South Dakota’s sole seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Running on a modest budget, he secured victory and was subsequently re-elected for a second term with a historic margin, demonstrating strong voter confidence. He served a third term before honoring his campaign promise to limit his House tenure to three terms. Following a close Senate race loss in 2002, Thune achieved a landmark victory in 2004 by winning his U.S. Senate seat, notably defeating a sitting Senate party leader, a rare occurrence in American political history.
His career in the Senate has been marked by consistent re-election and increasing leadership responsibilities. In 2010, he was re-elected unopposed, a unique event for a Republican in South Dakota Senate races since direct elections began. He secured a third term in 2016 and made history again in 2022 by becoming only the second South Dakotan elected to a fourth Senate term. Throughout his Senate career, John Thune has held significant leadership positions within the Republican party. He served as Senate Republican Whip from 2019 to 2024, playing a crucial role in party discipline and legislative strategy. Prior to that, he was chairman of the Senate Republican Policy Committee from 2009 to 2011 and chairman of the Senate Republican Conference from 2012 to 2018, each role building his influence and experience within the Senate leadership structure.
Currently serving as Senate Majority Leader for the 119th Congress, John Thune stands at the pinnacle of his Senate career. In this powerful role, he is responsible for setting the Senate’s legislative agenda, managing floor debates, and working to advance his party’s priorities. His committee assignments for this Congress – Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee; Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee; and the Finance Committee – reflect his broad policy interests and areas of expertise. From his early days inspired by a simple interaction on a basketball court to his current position as Senate Majority Leader, John Thune embodies a dedicated commitment to public service and represents South Dakota’s values on the national stage. He resides in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, with his wife Kimberley, and they are the proud parents of two daughters and grandparents to six grandchildren. Outside of his demanding political career, Thune enjoys family time, pheasant hunting, and running, maintaining his connection to the South Dakota outdoors and community that shaped his journey.
