National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman Steve Daines (R-MT) endorsed former President Donald Trump for president in 2024, providing him one of the most important endorsements from Washington.
Daines endorsed the former president on Triggered, the podcast of Trump’s son Donald Trump Jr.. Daines is one of the first top Senate Republicans to throw their support behind a 2024 White House candidate.
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“I’m proud to endorse Donald J. Trump for president of the United States,” Daines said, adding that the “best four years” he had in the Senate were when Trump was president.
Trump Jr. responded, “That’s absolutely awesome.”
An endorsement from Daines is an asset for Trump, who has garnered a string of congressional endorsements. Daines, with his connections to donors and influence over top Republicans, could prove to be an important turn in the election come November 2024.
Before Daines, Trump’s most senior senatorial endorsement was from Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC). Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Trump are not on speaking terms following an underwhelming performance from Republicans in the 2022 midterm elections for which McConnell blames Trump and his far-right endorsed candidates in key states like Pennsylvania and Arizona.
The move by Daines may also be an asset for 2024 Senate candidates, especially vulnerable Republicans facing reelection. An endorsement from Daines may give those senators a blanket of protection from Trump’s infamous attacks and blasts that have significant sway with “MAGA” Republicans.
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Daines’s endorsement also could take away some key Senate support from Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL), who strategists and lawmakers alike are speculating will enter the 2024 race.
The Florida governor has yet to receive any senatorial endorsements. He visited Washington, D.C., last week to speak with GOP lawmakers, garnering one endorsement from Rep. Laurel Lee (R-FL). Outside of Florida, DeSantis has won the endorsement of just two other representatives.
