John Thune
John Thune was born on January 7, 1961. See ranking, bio blurb, and everyone else born that day.
About John Thune
John Randolph Thune ( THOON; born January 7, 1961) is an American politician serving as the senior United States senator from South Dakota, a seat he has held since 2005. A member of the Republican Party, Thune has served since 2025 as Senate majority leader and Senate Republican leader. From 1997 to 2003, Thune served as the U.S. representative for South Dakota's at-large congressional district. Born in Pierre, South Dakota, Thune is a graduate of Biola University and the University of South Dakota. First elected to Congress in 1996, he was reelected in 1998 and 2000 before running for U.S. Senate in 2002, narrowly losing to incumbent senator Tim Johnson. In 2004, Thune ran for Senate again and defeated Senate Democratic leader Tom Daschle. He was reelected in 2010, 2016, and 2022. During his Senate tenure, Thune has served as the Republican chief deputy whip (2007–2009); chair of the Senate Republican Policy Committee (2009–2012); Senate Republican Conference chair (2012–2019); majority whip (2019–2021); and minority whip (2021–2025).