AFA of PA ACTION ALERT
November 13, 2026
Issue
Senator Ron Johnson Tried . . .
Details
The end of last week Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI) began an effort to delay the vote on Senate leadership for the 120th Congress. Tradition has the vote Tuesday morning after the general election. Senator Johnson wanted an opportunity for the Senate GOP to debrief after last week’s losses and chart a path forward as the minority. Monday he was joined by Senators Rick Scott (R-FL), John Kennedy (R-LA), Ted Bud (R-NC) and Mike Lee (R-UT) in sending a letter to Senate Republican Conference Chairman Tom Cotton (R-AR). Senators David McCormick (R-PA) and Jim Banks (R-IN) expressed support for a delay, but did not sign the letter. Johnson called it “political malpractice” to move forward with the closed-door elections so soon after a “stunning defeat.”
When Tuesday morning rolled around Senator Thune was still unopposed for the seat. Senator Johnson’s effort calling for a delay failed in a 15-31 vote. As promised, he walked out, choosing not to participate in the final vote. Senator Thune and his entire leadership team: Majority Whip John Barrasso, Senate Republican Conference Chairman Tom Cotton, Senate Republican Policy Committee Chairwoman Shelley Moore Capito, and Senate Republican Conference Vice Chairman James Lankford were re-elected by unanimous consent – meaning we don’t know how anyone voted!
Thune touts his last two years in leadership, “I’m proud of what this Republican team has accomplished together, and we remain united in our commitment to advancing conservative priorities, working with President [Donald] Trump and our colleagues in the House, and holding the line against Democrats’ efforts to enact their far-left, liberal agenda.” I don’t think most conservative Americans agree with his assessment of the past two years!
Action Steps:
Thank Senator Johnson for his effort to delay the Senate leadership vote. His DC number is (202) 224-5323 or his Madison, WI office number is (608) 240-9629.
