Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota says Republicans face political “headwinds” as they prepare for next year’s midterm elections.
Thune’s comments came after Republican candidate Matt Van Epps won a Tennessee special congressional election by a much narrower margin than expected, defeating Democrat Aftyn Behn by about nine points in a district that Donald Trump carried by 22 points in 2024.
Thune said the result underscores the need for Republicans to “sharpen their message” and give voters clear reasons to support them. He pointed to issues like border security, tax and regulatory reform, and energy policy as central to the GOP’s pitch heading into 2026.
Democrats have seized on the Tennessee outcome as evidence of Republican vulnerability, while GOP leaders say it is a reminder to refocus on economic and security concerns.
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