John Thune grew up in Murdo, South Dakota. His interest in politics was sparked at a young age after making five of six free throws during a freshman high school basketball game. He was later greeted by a spectator who said, “I noticed you missed one.” That spectator happened to be a well-known sports enthusiast and then-South Dakota U.S. Rep. Jim Abdnor. The introduction was the start of a friendship that ignited John’s career in public service.
John and his wife Kimberley live in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and they have two grown daughters and six grandchildren. In his free time, John enjoys spending time with his family, pheasant hunting, and running.
