Paul Gosar Condemns John Thune, Says Thune 'Owns' Republican Midterm Wipeout

Representative Paul Gosar (R-AZ), one of the few Republicans left standing in Arizona after Tuesday's blue wave, condemned Senate Majority Leader John Thune's (R-SD) social media post about the loss, saying he "owns" it.

Thune's Post

On Wednesday, Sen. Thune wrote, "Over the last two years, Senate Republicans have put up a strong record of accomplishment that's created safer streets, more money in Americans' pockets, and new opportunities for families and businesses to get ahead."

"After fighting Democrat obstruction at every turn, we prevented the largest tax hike in American history, secured our border in an unprecedented way, confirmed the president's Cabinet at the fastest pace in two decades, and put strong conservative judges on benches across the country faster than we have since the Reagan administration," Sen. Thune continued. "I'm proud of our team and everything we've done for the American people, and I'm looking forward to the important work we have in front of us over the next few months."

The South Dakota Senator further shared that as 2027 approaches, "Senate Republicans will not stand idly by as the far-left, socialist wing of the Democrat Party attempts to unwind everything we've done. Thankfully, we still have President Trump in the White House, and we'll work with him to stop the worst impulses of Democrat extremism. We cannot let their fringe positions become the mainstream."

Gosar's Response

"If Senator Thune cares at all about what remains of the Senate Republicans, he should sit this one out," Rep. Gosar responded to Thune's post, adding, "For two years, House Republicans begged him to bring conservative legislation to the floor, including the SAVE Act. He refused. He chose to protect the institution rather than fight to save the country."

Rep. Gosar further suggested that Thune "made failed Mitch McConnell look like a genius. And his refusal to lead has consequences. Thune owns this week's Senate Republican losses."

"Had he put the SAVE Act on the floor and fought for it, Republicans would still hold the majority," the Arizona congressman concluded. "Spare us the victory lap. The Senate didn't lose its majority by accident. John Thune squandered it."