Thune to ramp up midterm campaign stops as Senate Republicans push to hold on to majority

Updated on: September 29, 2026 / 3:09 PM EDT / CBS News

Thune to ramp up midterm campaign stops as Senate Republicans push to hold on to majority

TL;DR

  • Senate Majority Leader John Thune is expanding his travel to key states for upcoming Senate races.
  • Thune will visit North Carolina, Nebraska, Kansas, Minnesota, Florida, South Carolina, Ohio, and Iowa.
  • He will also participate in fundraising events to support Republican candidates.
  • Thune has previously campaigned in Georgia and attended fundraising events in New York.
  • He acknowledges criticism from the right flank and President Trump regarding certain legislative efforts.
  • Senate Republicans possess a significant war chest, with over $500 million raised by affiliated groups.
  • Thune describes the current outlook for the Senate majority as a 'jump ball,' with races being highly competitive.
  • He believes Republicans are well-positioned but the outcome depends on close race results and historical outperformance of polls.