U.S. Senator John Thune celebrated a big reelection win yesterday, winning a fourth term against challenger Brian Bengs with approximately 70% of the vote.
The win breaks the “curse of Karl” as Thune joins Karl E. Mundt as the only South Dakotan to be elected to four terms in the U.S. Senate. (Three other U.S. Senators from South Dakota sought fourth terms and lost: George McGovern, who lost to Jim Abdnor in 1980; Larry Pressler, who lost to Tim Johnson in 1996; and Tom Daschle, whom Thune defeated in 2004.)
Thune’s 242,216 votes also mean that he has now won more votes in general elections, cumulatively, than any other candidate in South Dakota history. Thune was already a member of the “Million Vote Club,” but his margin vaults him ahead of longtime Commissioner of School and Public Lands Bernard Linn (who was elected to 11 two-year terms) and U.S. Senator Tim Johnson. Governor Kristi Noem, Congressman Dusty Johnson, State Treasurer Rich Sattgast, and Public Utilities Commissioner Chris Nelson also crossed the million-vote threshold, which expands the Million Vote Club from 9 members to 13.
Thune’s reelection means that he will extend his tenure in public office to 30 years, making him the newest member of the Over 25 Club – those South Dakota leaders who have served in federal or state elected office for at least 25 years. Also joining the Over 25 Club this year are Public Utilities Commissioner Chris Nelson and longtime state legislator Brock Greenfield, who was elected Commissioner of School and Public Lands.
SoDak Governors 