The Daily Punch Thune gets heat from all sides
Dec 5, 2025
Senate Majority Leader John Thune is feeling the heat from conservatives and appropriators over funding issues. His consensus-driven style clashes with Mitch McConnell's leadership, causing tension in the GOP. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court reinstates the Texas congressional map, creating potential shake-ups in upcoming elections. House Republicans grapple with whether to include Obamacare subsidy extensions in their health care package, eyeing ways to split votes for vulnerable members. The political landscape is shifting—who will come out on top?
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Thune's Consensus-First Leadership Is Under Strain
- John Thune's leadership relies on letting the conference reach consensus rather than dictating outcomes from above.
- That approach is now strained as he faces criticism from conservatives and appropriators over 2026 funding and other disputes.
Multiple Policy Fights Are Compounding The Problem
- Thune faces simultaneous pressure from conservatives and appropriators blocking 2026 funding and his return-to-regular-order promise.
- Multiple policy fights, including health care and a phone-records lawsuit provision, compound the leadership test.
Supreme Court Restores Texas Map, Shifts Midterm Stakes
- The Supreme Court restored Texas's gerrymandered map, giving Republicans five new red-leaning districts for 2026.
- That shift likely offsets Democratic gains in other states and reshapes several Texas incumbents' plans.