FIRST ON FOX: A source close to Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., told Fox News Digital that the South Dakota Republican intends to run for Senate minority leader following the GOP's sweeping defeat in Tuesday's midterm elections.Thune is expected to seek the leadership position despite Republicans losing at least five seats in the upper chamber, including contests in traditionally Republican strongholds such as South Carolina and Texas.The losses came amid declining approval ratings for President Donald Trump, whose administration faced criticism over the war in Iran, immigration enforcement operations and high gas prices in the months leading up to the election.CONSERVATIVES STUNNED BY 'CATASTROPHIC' MIDTERM BLUE TSUNAMI, BLAME TRUMP'S IRAN WAR, HIGH GAS PRICESSenate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., speaks to reporters outside the chamber at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, April 2, 2026.(J.
Scott Applewhite/AP Photo)Following the defeat — which saw the Senate margins not only flip, but also widen — Thune defended Senate Republicans' legislative record over the past two years.The GOP conference has "put up a strong record of accomplishment that's created safer streets, more money in Americans' pockets, and new opportunities for families and businesses to get ahead," Thune wrote on social media.TRUMP KEEPS CALLING THUNE DESPITE PUBLIC FIGHT OVER SAVE AMERICA ACTThe majority leader also highlighted Republicans' efforts to advance Trump's legislative and judicial priorities despite Democratic opposition."After fighting Democrat obstruction at every turn, we prevented the largest tax hike in American history, secured our border in an unprecedented way, confirmed the president's Cabinet at the fastest pace in two decades, and put strong conservative judges on benches across the country faster than we have since the Reagan administration," Thune wrote.TRUMP'S PATIENCE 'RUNNING OUT' AS THUNE FIRES BACK OVER STALLED ELECTION SECURITY BILLSenate Majori...