Senate Majority Leader John Thune Criticizes Democrats for Hampering GOP Campaign Efforts Ahead of 2026 Midterms
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a Republican from South Dakota, has publicly accused Senate Democrats of deliberately obstructing Republican efforts to campaign ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Speaking after a visit to a local furniture store in Sioux Falls, Thune said the Democratic strategy is aimed at “tying people down” with legislative battles to prevent GOP lawmakers from hitting the campaign trail.
“Their whole goal, and everything is to, you know, force us to stay around, force us to try and get members to take hard votes and just to tie people down so that they can’t be back campaigning,” Thune told Fox News Digital. He emphasized the importance of every day on the campaign trail as the midterms approach, noting that Democrats are using procedural tactics to keep Republicans occupied.
Thune highlighted the ongoing legislative debate surrounding funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which has dragged into a partial government shutdown. Senate Democrats have blocked funding over disputes related to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reforms, demanding changes including judicial warrants for enforcement actions and restrictions on mask-wearing by ICE agents. These demands have stalled progress and prevented Republicans from advancing their agenda or campaigning freely.
During his visit, Thune also promoted the economic benefits of recent tax legislation that largely extends former President Donald Trump’s 2017 tax cuts. The bill includes adjustments intended to benefit small businesses, a message Thune said he is eager to share with voters but finds difficult to communicate amid the legislative gridlock.
Thune’s remarks come as Senate Republicans express frustration over their limited ability to campaign due to ongoing floor battles. The GOP argues that Democrats are leveraging procedural rules to force Republicans to remain in Washington, thereby limiting their outreach efforts in key battleground states.
This clash underscores the heightened tensions on Capitol Hill as both parties prepare for a pivotal election cycle. The U.S. Senate remains deeply divided, with Democrats seeking to maintain control and Republicans aiming to regain a majority.
Observers note that the ongoing partial shutdown of DHS, which includes agencies like ICE, is a significant flashpoint. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency has been at the center of debate due to calls for reforms and funding restrictions tied to enforcement practices.
As the midterms approach, the battle over legislative priorities and campaign time will likely intensify. For now, Senate Republicans like Thune contend that Democratic tactics are designed to limit their ability to connect with voters and highlight GOP policy achievements, including tax cuts and economic initiatives.
With the 2026 midterm elections looming, the strategic maneuvers on Capitol Hill reveal the high stakes for both parties in controlling the Senate and shaping the nation’s policy direction.
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