Senate Republican Deputy Leader John Thune has endorsed Donald Trump in the election, after he defeated Haley in South Carolina.
The Trump campaign said that Senate Republican Deputy Leader Thune spoke by phone with the former president on the evening of February 24 and affirmed his support for Mr. Trump in this year's White House race.
Thune's office later confirmed the news. Thune had endorsed Senator Tim Scott for president before Scott dropped out of the race in November 2023.
In US elections, it is important for an official, congressman or celebrity to publicly endorse a candidate. Thune's endorsement marks a resounding victory for Trump, because Thune is considered an important congressman and can succeed Republican leader in the Senate Mitch McConnell.
Thune has been critical of Trump at times and has disagreed with the former president on some key issues, a move that underscores Trump’s prominence in the Republican Party.
The deputy leader of the Republican Party in the Senate speaks during the party's weekly press conference in the Senate on February 6. Photo: AFP
Last month, Thune said he would support whoever became the Republican nominee, adding that Trump appeared to be on track to win an overwhelming victory in the upcoming primaries.
"I care what people say and the voters are backing him strongly. He's leading and I've said for a long time that I'll support the nominee," Thune said. "If Trump is the nominee, I will do what I can to help Republicans win the presidency and the Senate and end the agenda of President Joe Biden and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer."
In recent weeks, Republican senators have faced increasing pressure to endorse the party’s front-runner. Two other potential successors to McConnell, Senators John Barrasso and John Cornyn, have both announced their support for Trump. Barrasso endorsed Trump early on, while Cornyn endorsed the former president after he won the New Hampshire primary.
Scott announced his support for Trump after suspending his presidential campaign. Some had hoped Scott would back Nikki Haley, who first picked him for the Senate when she was governor of South Carolina.
On February 24, Mr. Trump won the primary election in South Carolina, Ms. Haley's home state, with a 20% margin of votes. After this result, Ms. Haley announced that she would continue the race for the Republican presidential nomination, at least until Super Tuesday, March 5.
Huyen Le (According to Hill , Fox, CNN )
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