Staff Reports
With the Republican primary season drawing near, the cohort of GOP leaders in Washington rallying behind former President Donald Trump is expanding rapidly, akin to the growth of genetically modified corn in the heartland.
It's become commonplace for congressmen and senators facing tough reelection battles to align themselves with the former commander-in-chief, particularly given the mounting speculation that he is leading President Joe Biden in all seven of the nation's battleground states. The magnetic appeal of Trump's influence, particularly among conservatives, has only strengthened, despite a crowded field offering numerous choices for incumbents contemplating their political futures.
?? JUST IN: Trump Scores Major Senate Endorsementhttps://t.co/sHZoTZxzh0
— ????Josh Dunlap???? ULTRA-MAGA (@JDunlap1974) December 14, 2023
The latest addition to this support surge is U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO), who recently conveyed to POLITICO his unwavering endorsement of President Trump. Hawley has consistently asserted that the former president is a shoo-in for the general election nomination and remains steadfast in his support.
"President Trump doesn't need to worry because I've got his back. He's asked me more than once for my support, and I've given him a resounding yes. I've been saying for a year that he's going to be the nominee. I stand firmly with him. I'll be casting my vote for him," Hawley affirmed confidently. "So, put me down as Team Trump all the way," he declared.
In turn, President Trump offered some counsel to the Missouri Senator, advising both Hawley and Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) to exercise caution during their reelection campaigns next year. Polls indicate a divide among voters on Hawley's reelection prospects, while President Trump maintains a substantial lead of over 15 points ahead of President Biden in the state's latest general election polling, as reported by Five Thirty Eight.
Hawley gained admiration from conservatives during the Capitol chaos on January 6th, 2021, for raising his fist in solidarity with protestors—an action that drew attention from the congressional select committee investigating the events of that day. The Senator has championed a range of conservative causes resonating with many Americans, from advocating to keep discussions on gender out of elementary schools to pushing for the removal of corporate donations from elections.
Hawley's endorsement contributes to the growing tally of U.S. senators supporting President Trump, reaching 18 and further reinforcing the 80-plus endorsements from House members. Even in the home states of Trump's rivals, such as Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis found himself overshadowed by Republican cohorts aligning with Trump on the campaign trail or acting as his representatives on cable news programs.
