On Jan 9, Wyoming’s Republican Senator John Barrasso announced his support for Donald Trump’s presidential run, making him the highest-ranking GOP senator to make such an endorsement. As of February, the no. 2 and no. 1 Republican Senators have still refused to explicitly endorse Trump, though they have said they will support the party’s nominee, whoever it may be.
Trump’s Comeback?
Senator Barrasso, speaking on Fox News “Hannity,” stated, “Well, the people of Wyoming and of course all your viewers know that the country was much better off under President Donald Trump, and Joe Biden continues to fail America.”
Barrasso Joins Trump Camp
“We need a strong Republican conservative House and Senate and we need Donald Trump back in the White House, and that’s why tonight I am endorsing Donald Trump for president of the United States,” Barrasso continued.
Senate’s Third-Highest
As the third highest-ranking member of the Senate’s Republican leadership, Barrasso has joined the entire House GOP leadership in endorsing Donald Trump’s reelection campaign, a move made less than a week before the Iowa caucuses. Trump won Iowa with over 51% of the vote.
Trump Thanks Barrasso
Donald Trump took to his Truth Social network on the same night to publicly thank Senator John Barrasso for his “powerful endorsement” on the Sean Hannity Show, commending Barrasso as an “extraordinary man.”
“GREAT Senator”
Trump’s post read, “Thank you to the GREAT Senator John Barrasso of Wyoming for such a powerful Endorsement, delivered beautifully tonight on the Sean Hannity Show. To know John is to both like and respect him, a truly extraordinary man. THANK YOU JOHN!!!”
Trump Earns Praise
In a statement following his appearance on “Hannity,” Barrasso further criticized Biden while praising Trump’s achievements, saying, “Working with Republicans in Congress, President Trump created the strongest economy of a generation, secured our Southern Border against a lawless drug and crime invasion, and made America an energy dominant superpower.”
“Decline” Under Biden’s Policies
“All of these accomplishments are in stark contrast to the high prices and low expectations of the last 3 years. Biden administration policies have plunged America into decline,” Barrasso continued.
A Potential Successor
While Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell has maintained a neutral stance in the current presidential race, Senate GOP Whip John Thune previously supported South Carolina Senator Tim Scott until he withdrew. Thune has since said that he will support the party’s nominee, even if it is Trump.
Barrasso, facing reelection this fall, is considered a potential successor to McConnell, along with Thune and Texas Senator John Cornyn.
Unprecedented GOP Support
Trump’s 2024 comeback bid has attracted the backing of at least 104 House Republicans and 20 GOP senators, a level of congressional Republican support that no other candidate has reached.
Thus, Barrasso becomes among the 19 Republican senators who have endorsed Trump for the next election. He also showed his support for Kari Lake in the Arizona Senate race last October, as she competes for Senator Kyrsten Sinema’s (I-Ariz.) seat.
A Tightening Race
Trump won the first few Republican primary contests handily. On Feb 24, his remaining opponent, Nikki Haley, will hope to perform well in her home state.
Voting Behavior
Trump leads Haley among conservatives, registered Republicans, and non-college graduates, per one January poll, while Haley leads among moderates, undeclared voters, and college graduates, with Christie second in these groups. Haley’s supporters are less committed than Trump’s, with 54% vs. 80% certain.
Mixed Reception Among Likely Voters
Currently, among likely GOP primary voters in New Hampshire, only two Republican candidates hold more favorable than unfavorable views: Trump, with 47% favorable and 38% unfavorable, and Haley, with 39% favorable and 35% unfavorable.
Notably, both are viewed positively by less than half of the likely electorate.
Read Next: What Really Causes Donald Trump’s Skin to be So Orange
Former President Donald Trump’s distinctive orange skin has captivated attention, sparking curiosity about its evolution from average pale over the years:
What Really Causes Donald Trump’s Skin to be So Orange
21 of the Biggest Lies in American History
Dive into the shadows of American history as we explore 21 of its biggest lies that have left an indelible mark on the nation’s narrative:
21 of the Biggest Lies in American History
32 Things We Once Highly Respected but Are a Complete Joke Now
Discover the amusing downfall of once-respected entities in our changing world:
32 Things We Once Highly Respected but Are a Complete Joke Now
23 of Donald Trump’s Most Hilarious Moments as President
Explore the lighter side of Donald Trump’s presidency with 23 hilariously memorable moments that left the nation in stitches:
23 of Donald Trump’s Most Hilarious Moments as President
27 Things MAGA Movement Ruined Forever for People
How the MAGA movement left its mark on individuals and disrupted certain aspects of our everyday life forever:
