Thune’s midterm crossroads: Keep the Senate working or let candidates campaign

Published September 24, 2026 5:00am ET | Updated September 24, 2026 7:58am ET



Senate Republicans face a mounting dilemma whether to pack it up until after the Nov. 3 midterm elections and hit the campaign trail, or stay in Washington for last-minute policy wins that battleground members can take home to voters.

It’s a decision looming large over Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD), as congressional Republicans lament they have few achievements to tout with higher gas prices from the Iran war and voters’ affordability concerns dragging them down.

Already a print subscriber? Click here to login/register your account

Trusted reporting.Unlimited access.

Subscribe for full access to Washington Examiner coverage, expert political analysis, and subscriber-only journalism.

Get Unlimited Access

Already a member? Log in

Cancel anytime.