Sen. John Thune (R., S.D.) wants a promotion later this month, from serving as Senate minority whip to serving as Senate GOP Leader — and he spent 2024 campaigning for the upcoming moment.

Thune raised over $33 million in hard dollars this cycle for the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) and for GOP Senate candidates — in one instance, Thune made a historic $4 million transfer to the NRSC, which went directly to GOP candidates.

Thune’s sizable totals are second only to those raised by NRSC chairman, Sen. Steve Daines (R., Mont.), a source familiar told the Washington Reporter. Daines is reportedly backing Thune in his GOP Leader bid. Both senators are from neighboring states and are avid outdoorsmen.

During the final month of the 2024 elections, Thune campaigned in eight states with candidates, including in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Montana, and Indiana. All four of those will be sending new Republican senators to Washington, D.C.

Earlier this year, Thune laid out his vision for serving as GOP Leader in an extensive interview with the Reporter. “If nothing else, just open this place up and let the talent shine,” he said.