In a significant development for the upcoming 2024 presidential race, a growing number of Senate Republicans have thrown their support behind former President Donald Trump. The New Hampshire primary results have garnered great interest, with many GOP lawmakers endorsing Trump as the Republican nominee. However, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., has refrained from making any endorsements at this time.
Speaking to reporters after a GOP luncheon, McConnell stated, “I’ve stayed essentially out of it. But if I change my mind, I’ll let you know.” While the senator did not provide any news regarding an endorsement for Trump, he expressed keen interest in the New Hampshire primary results.
The absence of an endorsement from McConnell has highlighted the strained relationship between the former president and the Senate Minority Leader. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., a staunch Trump ally, acknowledged that there is “not a lot of love lost” between the two. Tuberville remarked, “You hear the former president come after him, and the leader has not been very kind with his words.”
The endorsement race has intensified further with the suspension of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ presidential campaign. DeSantis, in a video posted on X, unequivocally endorsed Trump, consolidating the former president’s support base. Additionally, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, despite campaigning in New Hampshire, has faced snubs from South Carolina Sens. Tim Scott and Lindsey Graham, who have also endorsed Trump.
The list of Senate Republicans endorsing Trump continues to grow, with prominent names such as Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., and Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, lending their support.
This development follows Trump’s victory in the Iowa caucuses, marking the first contest of the 2024 presidential election cycle. As the Republican party aims to unite behind a strong candidate, the endorsements from Senate Republicans carry significant weight and reflect the growing support for Trump within the party.
In the midst of this unfolding political landscape, former President Trump’s influence and popularity remain evident, shaping the dynamics of the 2024 presidential race. The New Hampshire primary results and the subsequent endorsements signal a shift in the Republican party’s direction, setting the stage for an intriguing and highly contested election cycle.
