The Texas A&M College Republicans won’t be making any sweeping statements against Donald Trump, but they won’t be endorsing him either.
Chairman David Isenhour Jr. said the group will support the Republican presidential nominee, like they always have, but his statement conveyed a serious sense of reluctance.
“In previous years, the Texas A&M College Republicans have not released statements of endorsement for candidates who have won their primary elections. We are treating this year the same as any other,” Isenhour said. “We find it self-evident that as College Republicans we accept the decision of the primary that Donald Trump is the nominee of the Republican Party. We encourage all of our members, and all Aggies, to get involved in the political process.”
This statement upset some students, who believe an official endorsement of the GOP nominee is necessary.
“Having individuals with the guts to speak their mind and voice who they’re going to vote for, that’s real courage,” junior Michael Mendelsohn told KBTX. “I don’t think the organization is actually showing courage by not endorsing our Republican nominee.”
Trump is a particularly divisive nominee, especially among young voters, and many students who have been loyal Republicans in the past don’t support their current presidential nominee.
Take for example, the College Republican chapters at Harvard and Penn State.
In this election, chapters could catch flak, or potentially lose members, if they wholeheartedly endorse the Republican nominee.
Mendelsohn said that’s no excuse.
“There’s always going to be people that are disappointed with what you do, but there must be a consensus and you must come behind the Republican nominee if you are to call yourself the College Republicans,” he said.
KBTX said Mendelsohn has been “an active member of the university’s College Republicans for the last three years,” however the College Republicans claimed that he has not showed up to any club meetings this year or paid dues.
According to their statement, the Texas A&M chapter is choosing to focus on state races more than the presidential race.
“In accordance with the official strategy of the Texas Federation of College Republicans, the focus for this election cycle is to assist in contested races throughout Texas up and down the ballot where each College Republican chapter can make the largest difference,” Isenhour said. “Specifically our chapter has been directed to assist in the election of, former Aggie and former Student Body President, Congressman Will Hurd. We will do all we can to assure the continued success of the Republican Party across the state of Texas.”
