NewsWPLG Local 10 – Main FeedOctober 26, 2026Miami-Dade County
Senate Majority Leader John Thune campaigns in red states to defend the Republican Senate majority ahead of midterms
Photo: WPLG Local 10 – Main Feed
Senate Majority Leader John Thune is traveling across red-leaning states to campaign for Republican Senate candidates like Ashley Hinson in Iowa, working to protect the party's narrow majority amid voter concerns over high prices, the economy, and the war in Iran. While facing criticism from the party base and President Donald Trump for not eliminating the filibuster to pass voter legislation, Thune retains strong support from his GOP Senate colleagues.
Read the full story at WPLG Local 10 – Main FeedWhy It Matters
The outcome of these marquee Senate races will determine control of the U.S. Senate and shape the legislative agenda for the next two years, influencing federal policy on artificial intelligence, housing, taxes, and energy.
Key Facts
- Senate Majority Leader John Thune is campaigning across red states to help Republican Senate candidates and protect the party's majority.
- In Iowa, Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson is running against Democrat Josh Turek for the Senate seat being vacated by retiring Republican Sen. Joni Ernst.
- Thune faces criticism from parts of the Republican base and President Donald Trump for failing to pass the SAVE America Act, which requires nationwide voter ID.
- Thune has staunchly refused Trump's pressure to eliminate the Senate filibuster to pass legislation with a simple majority.
- Voters in Iowa are primarily raising concerns about childcare, the economy, farm input costs, high gas and grocery prices, and the war in Iran.
- Senate Republicans will hold a secret ballot a week after the Nov. 3 election to decide whether to reelect Thune as leader.
- If Republicans retain the Senate, Thune's legislative agenda next year includes artificial intelligence guardrails, housing and tax reform, permitting legislation, and college sports regulation.
Who's Mentioned
locationSouth Carolina“State visited by Thune for campaigning.”PersonSherrod Brown“Democratic former Senator from Ohio.”locationKentucky“State visited by Thune for campaigning.”PersonAshley Hinson“Republican Representative running for a Senate seat in Iowa.”locationNebraska“State visited by Thune for campaigning.”locationMississippi“State visited by Thune for campaigning.”locationOhio“State where Senator Husted is facing a challenge.”PersonJosh Turek“Democratic state legislator running for Senate in Iowa against Ashley Hinson.”locationNorth Carolina“State visited by Thune for campaigning.”PersonJoni Ernst“Retiring Republican Senator from Iowa.”OrganizationWhite House“Location of a personal tour for Thune and his grandchildren.”locationSouth Dakota“Home state associated with John Thune.”PersonJon Husted“Republican Senator from Ohio facing a challenge.”PersonMitch McConnell“Kentucky Senator and former Senate leader.”locationFlorida“State visited by Thune for campaigning.”locationSioux City“City in Iowa where campaign events took place.”locationMinnesota“State visited by Thune for campaigning.”locationIowa“State hosting a competitive Senate race.”OrganizationSioux City chamber of commerce“Host of a campaign luncheon.”locationGeorgia“State visited by Thune for campaigning.”PersonValerie Conaway Cote“Democrat protester from Sioux City.”PersonBernie Moreno“Republican Senator from Ohio supporting Thune.”PersonDonald Trump“President whose policies and actions are a focal point of the midterm elections.”PersonJohn Thune“Senate Majority Leader traveling the country to campaign for Republican candidat”OrganizationIowa Air National Guard“Refueling wing toured during the campaign stop.”