Thune says he’s ‘pessimistic’ about winning Democratic support for SAVE Act

Senate Minority Leader John Thune said Tuesday he is "pessimistic" about securing Democratic support for the SAVE Act, legislation that would tighten voter registration requirements. Thune's comments reflect deep partisan divisions over voting access, with Republicans backing the bill as an election security measure while Democrats have generally opposed it as restrictive. The legislation requires proof of citizenship to register to vote, a requirement Democrats argue could disenfranchise eligible voters. Without bipartisan backing, passage in the Democratic-controlled Senate would be difficult, making Thune's pessimism a sign the bill faces an uphill battle. The SAVE Act has become a flashpoint in the broader national debate over voting rules ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.