John Thune wins fourth term as U.S. Senator from South Dakota

Staff and wire reports
·2 min read
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Senator John Thune speaks at a press conference announcing the 5G launch in Sioux Falls in this file photo.
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Republican U.S. Sen. John Thune of South Dakota won reelection to a fourth term Tuesday and will return to a Senate where he is seen as a potential future majority leader.

The 61-year-old Republican held a large fundraising advantage over Democrat Brian Bengs, an Air Force veteran and university professor. Thune is the second-ranking Senate Republican and is seen as a potential pick to succeed Sen. Mitch McConnell once he steps down from leadership.

With 99% of precincts counted, Thune had 70% of the vote, with Bengs at 26%.

“Only in America, can a normal ordinary kid from Murdo serve [in Congress]," Thune said during a watch party Tuesday night in Sioux Falls.

The most dramatic moment of the campaign for Thune came before it began, when he contemplated retiring rather than running for reelection. He had shown signs of weariness after navigating a Republican Party dominated by former President Donald Trump, who at one point called for a primary challenger to unseat him.

Once he chose to run, Thune easily fended off a pair of primary challengers in June and has ridden out the campaign season in the heavily Republican state by avoiding most engagements with Bengs.

“As we think about the future and what it holds for us in SD and our country, sometimes problems seem big and overwhelming. I will make decisions informed by the people I represent in South Dakota," Thune said Tuesday night.

The quiet election year allowed Thune to amass over $17 million in campaign funds — money that could help line up allies if he moves to become Senate leader.

Only one South Dakota politician has won a fourth Senate term — Republican Sen. Karl Mundt, who held a seat from the 1950s to the 1970s. After voting early Tuesday, Thune said he was “hopeful” he would match Mundt's historic run.

He added that he was “confident” the GOP would gain a Senate majority after Tuesday's midterm elections.

“I think the momentum has shifted in the right direction,” he told The Associated Press. “We feel really good about where the races are.”

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: John Thune wins fourth term as US Senator from South Dakota