EDITORIAL: How Thune’s Senate Leadership Fund has delivered beyond all expectations

By every measurable standard, the Senate Leadership Fund (SLF), under new leadership, is executing at an elite level. SLF has been crucial to Republican Senate victories since the McConnell years, and this cycle the organization has exceeded expectations despite tough circumstances.

First, look at the numbers. As of the end of June, SLF reported a staggering $238 million cash on hand—more than double what it held at this point in the previous cycle. In the second quarter alone, SLF and its affiliate One Nation raised $140 million, shattering prior records.

That haul is especially impressive given the enormous sums flowing to President Trump’s political operation and other Republican groups. Donors are spreading their dollars across the Republican ecosystem, yet SLF continues to command massive support. It has done so while also spending heavily in key primaries to help elect strong Republican nominees.

That says a lot about the confidence Republican donors have in SLF’s mission to protect and expand the Senate majority.

Second, this success is even more remarkable because it comes under a brand new team. Steven Law, the longtime leader and McConnell consigliere, was a legend in Republican politics who built deep relationships with major donors and corporate America. Leader John Thune (R., S.D.) was also taking over responsibility for the soft-dollar side of Senate campaigns for the first time.

Alex Latcham, the new executive director, has met those high standards and then some. Before this cycle began, there was quiet skepticism in GOP circles about whether SLF could remain as dominant after the transition. After all, wouldn’t all the money flow to MAGA Inc.? But the skeptics were wrong. Latcham and Team Thune have kept the operation humming while growing it massively.

Third, look at the map. Sen. Tim Scott (R., S.C.) also deserves significant credit. Together, SLF and the NRSC have delivered. Republicans have our preferred nominee in every Senate race, with Texas the lone exception. 

Even in Texas, the outcome is far from catastrophic. Republicans are united behind Ken Paxton and focused on defeating Democrat James Talarico. The bad blood is behind the party, and predictions of a prolonged Republican civil war didn’t come to fruition.

Finally, consider the dog that didn’t bark.

There has been no public feuding with the NRSC. No consultant drama. No leaks about turf battles. No wasteful infighting that distracts from beating Democrats. 

As an outlet closely connected to Republican Senate politics, we consistently hear the same thing from senators, campaigns, and operatives: SLF is responsive, strategic, and focused on winning.

Make no mistake, the map is challenging. Democratic candidates are once again out-raising Republicans in hard dollars, and nothing is guaranteed.

But if Republicans hold—or even expand—our Senate majority this November, the Senate Leadership Fund will deserve a significant share of the credit. By every meaningful metric, SLF has delivered.