Skip to content
Back to the Senate field
American Ascent

Senator brief · South Dakota

Reviewed November 5, 2026

South Dakota · Senate seat, on the November 7, 2028 ballot

John Thune

Republican. Trump won South Dakota in 2024. On the November 7, 2028 ballot.

Age on Election Day 2028
67
Born January 7, 1961.
Lean
R+15
Solidly Republican. Statewide, 2025 Cook PVI.
In the Senate since
2005
Took office January 3, 2005.
Approval
49%
39% disapprove. Morning Consult, April 1 to June 30, 2026.

The 2028 race

Cash on hand
$17,917,155

Cash: Federal Election Commission, October quarterly report. Reporting period ended September 30, 2026.

2028 plansDeclined to say firmly whether he will run again in 2028, and said he will decide “down the road.” Semafor, June 24, 2026.

The filibuster

Ending the legislative filibuster
Opposes
A talking filibuster
Opposes

The senator’s own public position, from a recorded vote or a dated statement.

In the Senate

  • Senate Majority Leader, 119th Congress

Committees: Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry · Commerce, Science, and Transportation · Finance · Intelligence

General-election outcomes

2022 vote share
69.63%
Victory margin
+43.48 pts

Last elected in 2022; no 2024 election for this officeholder.

Statewide. Valid votes; margin over the runner-up. Runner-up: Bengs, Brian L.. Returns · Method. Reviewed November 5, 2026.

Scorecards, out of 100

Heritage Action (lifetime) (opens in a new tab)
64
Club for Growth (lifetime) (opens in a new tab)
72
Turning Point Action (lifetime) (opens in a new tab)
64
GOP Platform (2025) (opens in a new tab)
77
Progressive average
7.2 (LCV 10, Progressive Punch 4, Stop Corruption Now none)

Endorsements

2028 race so far and 2022 race

None on record: Donald Trump, Club for Growth, Turning Point Action, MAHA PAC.