Former Trump campaign advisor Corey Lewandowski is exploring a political maneuver designed to restore his standing with President Donald Trump by encouraging a primary challenge against Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD), according to a New York Post exclusive.

Lewandowski has reportedly floated the idea of recruiting former Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem — widely rumored to be romantically linked to Lewandowski — to run for Thune's Senate seat in 2028. Noem served as governor of South Dakota from 2019 until early 2025, giving her deep name recognition in the state Thune has represented in the Senate since 2005. Thune told reporters earlier this week that his "assumption" is he plans to seek re-election.

Thune has drawn Trump's frustration over the stalled SAVE America Act, a proof-of-citizenship voting bill that would require individuals to provide documentation of citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections. The Post reported that Lewandowski sees an opportunity to end his "political exile" by promoting Noem as a challenger.

"Corey is looking for ways to get back in good with President Trump," an anonymous Republican strategist told The Post.

Multiple Republicans told The Post that Lewandowski views his relationship with Trump as essential — not only for himself personally but also for his public affairs firm, Lewandowski Strategic Advisors. "He values that relationship more than anything else," an anonymous source said.

Speaking to conservative podcaster John Fredericks in late June, Lewandowski said Thune is "very susceptible to a very serious Republican primary challenge." He added: "The American people will be looking at someone who has a proven history of winning an election in South Dakota to maybe challenge John Thune."

Noem, however, firmly denied any such plans. During a statue unveiling ceremony on Friday, she stated: "I'm not planning to run for Senate in 2028."

When contacted by The Post for comment, Lewandowski said: "President Trump carried the state of South Dakota by nearly 30 points. The people of that state overwhelmingly support his agenda for America."

He added: "No politician is immune to the will of the voters," urging every senator to pass Trump's SAVE America Act. "I would encourage every incumbent senator to achieve this objective," he told The Post.

Earlier this week, Noem and Lewandowski were seen together in Minnesota — riding bikes, shopping, and dining — further fueling speculation about their relationship.