GOP Sen. Thune to transfer $4 million to Senate GOP's war chest ahead of elections

Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., on Tuesday announced he would transfer $4 million from his campaign account to the National Republican Senatorial Committee in an attempt to help Senate Republicans catch up with Democrats as the November elections approach.

Thune is one of several lawmakers participating in the Senate GOP leadership race prompted by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., opting to step down from leadership at the end of the year.

Apart from Thune, Sens. John Cornyn, R-Texas., and Rick Scott, R-Fla., are vying for the Senate GOP's top job.

Thune told The Hill that his main purpose for donating the money to the NRSC was to help Republicans get a victory as the November election approaches. 

“Everybody’s trying to win a majority," he told the outlet. "That’s what we’re all focused on. I think the team realizes that the next [GOP] leader should be the [Senate] majority leader, and so everybody is doing what they can to help us get the majority."

Republican senators reportedly applauded his gift.