Senate Majority Leader John Thune said Republicans face a serious fight to retain the Senate majority in November.

“I worry about that, for sure,” Thune, R-S.D., said in a Tuesday interview with KELOLAND News in South Dakota. “I’m a realist, and I just think you, I don’t ever try and sugarcoat this."

The comments came as the chamber prepares for the November midterm elections. Thune, who represents South Dakota, spoke candidly about the challenges ahead without attempting to downplay them.

Republicans currently hold the Senate majority. Retaining that edge requires defending several competitive seats while making gains in others across the country.

Thune has long emphasized the need for strong candidate recruitment and effective messaging on key issues such as the economy, border security, and government spending. His latest remarks underscore the competitive nature of the upcoming contests.

The interview aired on KELOLAND News, a local outlet serving South Dakota viewers. Thune has represented the state in the Senate since 2005 and rose to the majority leader post in recent years.