Senate Majority Leader John Thune to work sidelines of GOP midterm convention, as Johnson takes spotlight

WASHINGTON — Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) won’t have a speaking slot at the GOP’s 2026 midterm convention in Dallas this week, unlike House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.).Instead, Thune is expected to be assisting candidates at Dallas fundraisers while giving others “a turn in the spotlight,” The Post can confirm.While Johnson was granted a featured speaker slot, Thune (R-SD) will attend the convention but participate in other events, according to a source familiar with the majority leader’s plans.

Punchbowl News first reported the news.Fundraising is expected to take a heavy focus, with Republican donors being offered seats to roundtables with the president, vice president and other party bosses for tens of thousands of dollars, according to The Wall Street Journal.The Republican National Committee has already listed Johnson, Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) and Sen.Tim Scott (R-SC), chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, as speakers.President Trump, at times, has had a strained relationship with Thune, demanding he pass the Save America Act to mandate voter ID and other election reforms — while pressuring him to eliminate the longstanding tradition of the filibuster to get the votes.

Trump and Vice President JD Vance are also expected to deliver keynote addresses, along with Cabinet and administration officials such as Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Attorney General Todd Blanche, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F.Kennedy Jr., Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services Administrator Dr.

Mehmet Oz and Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner.Other speakers include:The convention — billed as “Trump-a-palooza” by RNC Chairman Joe Gruters — will also provide ample opportunity for donors and candidates in competitive races to rub elbows.Initially, Republican candidates in competitive races had balked at being told they’d have to fork over $25,000 just to attend the convention ...