Former President Donald Trump has won the endorsement of Sen. John Cornyn, one of the top Republicans in the Senate, after his victory in the New Hampshire primary. Cornyn, who represents Texas, said he was convinced that Trump was the best choice to defeat President Joe Biden in 2024.
Cornyn praises Trump’s achievements and popularity
In a statement posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, Cornyn said he was proud of the accomplishments he and Trump had achieved in the former president’s first term, such as confirming 234 federal judges, passing tax reform, unleashing energy potential, and creating the best economy in his lifetime.
Cornyn also said that Trump was clearly the preferred candidate of Republican voters, as evidenced by his landslide wins in Iowa and New Hampshire. He urged the party to unite around Trump and work to elect a Republican majority in the Senate in 2024.
Cornyn changes his tone on Trump’s prospects
Cornyn’s endorsement of Trump marks a significant shift from his previous comments on the former president’s chances of winning a second term. In May 2023, Cornyn said that Trump’s time had passed him by and that he did not understand the need to appeal to voters beyond his base.
Cornyn also said that he would prefer a new direction for the GOP and that he was open to other presidential candidates. He did not endorse any of Trump’s rivals, but he said he would be watching the field closely.
Cornyn follows Cruz in backing Trump
Cornyn is the second senator from Texas to endorse Trump for 2024, following his colleague Sen. Ted Cruz, who announced his support last week after Trump’s win in Iowa. Cruz, who ran against Trump in 2016, said he was impressed by Trump’s performance and policies and that he wanted to help him restore America’s greatness.
Cruz and Cornyn had both clashed with Trump in the past, especially during the 2016 campaign, when Trump insulted Cruz’s wife and father and accused Cornyn of being weak and dishonest. However, they both became loyal allies of Trump in the Senate and defended him during his impeachment trials.
Trump faces Haley as his last GOP challenger
Trump’s endorsement from Cornyn comes as he faces his last remaining opponent in the Republican primary, Nikki Haley, the former U.N. ambassador and governor of South Carolina. Haley, who has been critical of Trump’s role in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, said she was running to offer a different vision for the GOP and the country.
Haley has struggled to gain traction among Republican voters, who have overwhelmingly favored Trump in the polls and the primaries. She has also faced attacks from Trump, who called her a “disloyal and weak” leader and accused her of being a “RINO” (Republican in name only).
Trump has said he is confident that he will win the nomination and the general election, and that he will make America great again. He has also vowed to reverse Biden’s policies on immigration, health care, climate change, and foreign affairs, and to restore law and order and economic growth.
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