U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) said on March 21 that Democrats refused to support a measure requiring photo identification at the polls, despite previously indicating support for such requirements. Thune made his remarks during a speech on the Senate floor.
The issue of voter identification and fairness in women’s sports has become a point of debate in Congress. Thune argued that while Democrats claim to back photo ID laws, they blocked a bill that would have required voters to present identification such as a driver’s license, state ID card, passport, military ID, or tribal ID at polling places.
“Democrats – the party that, the Democrat leader said, does not object to photo ID – well, Democrats blocked it,” Thune said. He questioned why Democrats oppose showing photo ID at the polls when it is required for activities like boarding planes or attending certain events. “I’m still waiting for Democrats to explain why it’s perfectly logical for them to demand photo ID for their own rallies and yet oppose photo ID at the polls,” he said.
Thune also addressed concerns about biological males participating in women’s sports. He cited an example from high school athletics where female athletes lost opportunities due to competition with transgender athletes: “One female runner had this to say… ‘Twenty-seven times during my high school career… I had to return to the line and settle into blocks next to first one, then two biologically male athletes… I lost podium spots, awards, recognition, and four state championship titles during my junior year.’”
He referenced a United Nations report from 2024 stating that over 600 female athletes in more than 400 competitions lost more than 890 medals in 29 different sports after mixed-sex categories were introduced. “Are they okay with two biological males eliminating girls from advancement opportunities more than 85 times?” Thune asked regarding his Democratic colleagues.
Thune has served on several Senate committees including Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry; Commerce, Science and Transportation; and Finance according to his official website. He grew up in Murdo, South Dakota where an encounter with a congressman inspired his interest in public service. Thune holds degrees from Biola University and the University of South Dakota. He has held leadership roles such as Senate majority leader as well as Republican whip and conference chairman. According to his official biography, he and his wife Kimberley have two daughters and six grandchildren.
