Full Breakdown
John Thune Tours Iowa with Ashley Hinson in Final Push to Preserve GOP Senate Majority
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On October 23, 2026, Senate Majority Leader John Thune joined Republican U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson for a full day of campaigning in Sioux City, Iowa. The itinerary included a luncheon at the Sioux City Chamber of Commerce, a tour of the Iowa Air National Guard’s refueling wing, a round-table with local business owners, and a high-school football-game meet-and-greet. Both leaders framed the effort as essential to keeping the Republican majority in the Senate.
Background & Context
Thune, who succeeded Mitch McConnell as Senate majority leader two years ago, has faced criticism from the party’s base and from former President Donald Trump for the Senate’s inability to pass the SAVE America Act—a voter-ID and citizenship-proof bill stalled by the filibuster. Trump has urged Thune to abandon the filibuster, but Thune argues that changing the rule would empower future Democratic majorities.
Beyond Iowa, Thune has been traveling to Republican-held Senate races in Nebraska, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Mississippi, Kentucky, Florida and Minnesota, seeking to shore up support in states that have become competitive.
Data & Statistics
- CBS News reports the Senate currently holds 53 Republican seats.
- Democrats would need to flip four seats and defend several others to capture the chamber.
- Iowa’s 2024 presidential margin was 13 points for Trump, yet the 2026 Senate race is described as a “dead-heat” between Hinson and Democrat Josh Turek.
Official Statements & Responses
Thorne highlighted broader policy goals, saying Republicans would pursue AI guardrails, housing and tax reform, and regulation of college sports if they retain control.
Republican Sen. Bernie Moreno of Ohio praised Thune as “an extraordinarily nice human being” and expressed confidence that any Republican losses would stem primarily from “gas prices.”
Criticism & Opposition
Democratic activist Valerie Conaway Cote protested outside an Hinson event, accusing Thune and Hinson of “doing Trump’s bidding.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “I'm absolutely convinced that she flat has to win, and if she doesn't, we're not going to be in the majority,” — Majority Leader John Thune
- “The majority in the United States Senate must run through the state of Iowa,” — Majority Leader John Thune
What’s Next
Republicans aim to secure the Senate in the upcoming election, after which Senate members will convene to hold a secret ballot on whether to re-elect Thune as majority leader. The outcome will shape the legislative agenda for the next two years, including AI regulation, housing reform and the pending college-sports bill.