politics
Senate Republicans Including Cornyn and Cassidy Reaffirm Support for Leader John Thune
Sens. John Cornyn and Bill Cassidy confirmed support for Senate Majority Leader John Thune ahead of upcoming primaries. Trump expressed frustration Tuesday over lack of progress on the SAVE America Act while praising his relationship with Thune. Thune has faced minimal criticism since taking over as leader in January 2025.
May 11, 7:00 AM·3m read1 source
Washington ExaminerAudio version
Tap play to generate a narrated version.
Developing·Limited corroboration so far. This page will refresh as more sources emerge.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune secured public backing from key Republicans for another term as several GOP candidates in upcoming primaries withheld criticism of the leader despite their campaigns against Washington incumbents. Sens. John Cornyn and Bill Cassidy confirmed they will back Thune.
Cornyn, who ran against Thune for leader in late 2024, saw his office state that he supports Senator Thune continuing to serve as leader. Bill Cassidy said he supported Leader Thune previously and plans to support him again. Trump-endorsed Rep.
Andy Barr will support Thune according to his campaign. Rep. Buddy Carter will back Thune according to his campaign. John Fleming said in a text message that he was not taking a position on Thune. The next Congress starts in January 2027.
If elected, the GOP candidates’ first unofficial vote would be on a secret ballot whether to extend Thune’s tenure. Thune took over as leader in January 2025 and has faced minimal criticism since then. Sen.
Mike Lee considers the notion of replacing Thune unrealistic on procedural grounds and because Senator Thune is beloved by colleagues and very popular within the conference. Sen. Rick Scott ran against Thune and Cornyn for leader in 2024.
Rick Scott told the Washington Examiner that he takes leadership with their word that they are going to put the effort into trying to get it passed and he is going to keep working on it. The Louisiana Senate primary is May 16 with early voting already underway in Louisiana. Kentucky’s primary is on May 19 and early voting starts Monday in Kentucky.
