John Thune

Republican senior Senator of South Dakota

Representative
South Dakota
January 7, 1997 - January 3, 1999
Representative
South Dakota
January 6, 1999 - January 3, 2001
Representative
South Dakota
January 3, 2001 - January 3, 2003
Senator
South Dakota
January 4, 2005 - January 3, 2011
Senator
South Dakota
January 5, 2011 - January 3, 2017
Senator
South Dakota
January 3, 2017 - January 3, 2023
Senator
South Dakota
January 3, 2023 - January 3, 2029

202-224-2321

@SenJohnThune

thune.senate.gov

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Congresses Served

House Terms

Senate Terms

January 1, 1961 (63 years old)

Birthday

Has been serving as the senior United States senator since 2005 and is in his fourth Senate term.
Holds the position of Senate minority whip since 2021.
Previously served three terms as the U.S. representative for South Dakota’s at-large congressional district from 1997 to 2003.
Known for defeating Senate Democratic Leader Tom Daschle in 2004.
Held various leadership roles in the Senate, including Republican chief deputy whip, chair of the Senate Republican Policy Committee, and Senate Republican Conference chair.
Was selected as majority whip for the 116th Congress and as minority whip for the 117th Congress.
Born in Pierre, South Dakota, to a World War II fighter pilot father and has Norwegian and Canadian ancestry.
Was a star athlete in high school and played college basketball.
Holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in business from Biola University and an MBA from the University of South Dakota.
Worked as a legislative aide, executive director of the South Dakota Republican Party, Railroad Director of South Dakota, and executive director of the South Dakota Municipal League before entering politics.
Has served on various Senate committees, including Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry; Finance; Commerce, Science, and Transportation; and Budget.
Advocates for gun rights, has proposed legislation related to concealed carry permits, and opposes high-capacity magazine bans.
Opposed the 2020 presidential election results challenge and faced criticism from then-President Donald Trump.
Was speculated as a potential vice-presidential pick in 2008 and considered a potential presidential candidate for 2012 and 2016 but did not run.
Married with two daughters and is known for being physically active and a fan of classic rock bands.