The announcements represent two disparate paths for the Republican Party.
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What happened: In separate but equally low-key announcements, Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) announced they'd seek reelection to their seats. Both were considered possible retirement risks, but their decisions limit the GOP departures this Congress to five:
The decision of Thune, the minority whip, carries particular weight. The genial South Dakotan is seen as possible successor to Minority Leader Mitch McConnell someday. He's drawn the ire of former President Donald Trump for refusing to entertain conspiracy theories and falsehoods about the 2020 election. In his brief statement, Thune said: "I’m asking South Dakotans for the opportunity to continue serving them in the U.S. Senate." More on his decision here.
Johnson, in many ways, is Thune's opposite number in the modern GOP. The Wisconsinite has repeatedly spread false claims about Covid and the 2020 election. In seeking reelection, the staunch Trump ally is breaking a prior pledge to serve just two terms. He said in a Wall Street Journal announcement of his reelection bid: "I believe America is in peril. Much as I’d like to ease into a quiet retirement, I don’t feel I should." His seat is seen as one of the top targets for Democrats and an expensive battle for it...
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