Even as a number of potential contenders are reportedly gearing up to enter the 2024 GOP presidential primary race, several prominent members of the party have already made up their minds about which candidate to support.
Most recently, U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) offered a glowing endorsement of former President Donald Trump.
Jim Jordan declares he is '100% for President Trump' in 2024https://t.co/vDA0Ay2uDh
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) April 15, 2023
Although he had some complimentary words for the other Republicans in the race or considering a bid, the congressman explained why he continues to have faith in Trump.
“No one has demonstrated that they will do what they said and get things done like he did,” Jordan said during a Fox News Channel interview last week. “And he did it with everyone in that town against him. And that’s what I still respect about President Trump — and I’m for him all the way.”
Citing two likely contenders — former Vice President Mike Pence and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis — by name to express his admiration for both, Jordan nonetheless concluded that Trump is his only choice.
He explained: “I just talked to Vice President Pence. Great guy. Gov. DeSantis, a great guy. When we formed the Freedom Caucus, there were nine of us. He was one of the nine. But I am 100% for President Trump.”
Even as some polls show that a significant percentage of voters believe Trump should bow out of the race in the wake of criminal charges in Manhattan, New York, his supporters insist that the indictment was politically motivated and his popularity appears to have only increased within his GOP base.
Jordan is not alone among Capitol Hill Republicans in giving Trump an early endorsement.
As of this writing, seven senators have provided such a statement — most recently, Sen. Ted Budd of North Carolina.
In a statement last week, Budd, who won his primary race in part on the strength of Trump’s endorsement, returned the gesture.
“Hardworking, everyday families need a return of the America First agenda to restore prosperity and peace,” the North Carolina Republican said in announcing his endorsement.
DeSantis, who has received the backing of two GOP House members, has reportedly been directing his team to discourage additional Republican lawmakers from endorsing Trump.
