Republican Rep. Nancy Mace has criticized Senate Majority Leader John Thune over the failure to advance the SAVE America Act, blaming Republican leadership as Democrats made significant gains in the 2026 midterm elections.
Mace argued that Republicans missed an opportunity to strengthen election safeguards before voters headed to the polls. In a post on X, she directly pointed to Thune’s handling of the legislation.
“Reminder: We have John Thune to thank for not passing the SAVE America Act and securing our elections earlier,” Mace wrote.
Her comments came as Democrats recorded gains in several closely contested congressional races, increasing pressure on Republican leaders and raising questions about the party’s election strategy.
Republicans Face Criticism Over SAVE America Act
The election results sparked criticism from conservative activists and Trump-aligned Republicans, many of whom blamed Senate leadership for failing to move forward with key legislative priorities.
The SAVE America Act became a major point of disagreement between Republican lawmakers who supported the measure and Thune, who resisted efforts to eliminate the Senate filibuster to advance it.
Conservative commentator Gunther Eagleman also criticized Thune, arguing that Republican leadership had failed to use its congressional majority effectively.
“John Thune, Republicans controlled the House and Senate, yet you failed to deliver. You had the majority. You had the opportunity. You chose weakness over leadership. Patriots will NEVER forget your failure to act,” Eagleman wrote on X.
He also called for Thune’s removal, adding, “After we hold the Senate tonight you should be removed immediately.”
Reminder: We have John Thune to thank for not passing the SAVE America Act and securing our elections earlier.
— Rep. Nancy Mace (@RepNancyMace) November 4, 2026
The SAVE America Act passed the Republican-controlled House but stalled in the Senate.
President Donald Trump repeatedly urged Republican senators to approve the legislation and pushed lawmakers to consider changing Senate filibuster rules to overcome opposition.
Thune opposed eliminating the filibuster, arguing that Republicans could need the procedural rule in the future to block Democratic legislation. The disagreement became a significant source of tension between Trump and Senate Republican leadership.
Thune has defended his position, pointing to Senate rules and the lack of sufficient votes to advance the measure under the existing procedures.
Democratic Midterm Gains Put Republican Leadership Under Pressure
The 2026 midterm election results have created a difficult situation for congressional Republicans, who entered the election defending narrow majorities in both chambers.
Democrats made gains in competitive races, including a projected victory in North Carolina’s Senate race and advances in several closely watched House contests.
The results have increased pressure on Republican leadership as the party faces questions about its legislative priorities and political strategy.
John Thune, Republicans controlled the House and Senate, yet you failed to deliver.
You had the majority. You had the opportunity. You chose weakness over leadership. Patriots will NEVER forget your failure to act.
After we hold the Senate tonight you should be removed immediately.
— Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) November 3, 2026
Campaign issues included economic concerns, inflation, healthcare costs, and voter dissatisfaction with the administration’s handling of the Iran war.
The outcome also raised broader questions about President Donald Trump’s influence on congressional Republicans and the party’s ability to maintain support among voters.
John Thune Faces Questions About His Senate Leadership
Thune now faces criticism from Trump supporters and conservative activists who believe Republican leaders failed to deliver on important campaign promises.
However, the Senate majority leader has defended his record, pointing to legislative achievements and arguing that election results reflected broader national issues rather than the failure to pass one particular bill.
The dispute over the SAVE America Act highlights continuing divisions within the Republican Party over election policy, Senate procedures, and the direction of congressional leadership.
As Republicans assess the 2026 midterm results, Thune’s handling of the legislation is likely to remain part of the debate over the party’s future strategy.
