Former President Donald Trump endorsed Rep. Jim Banks (R-IN) in the race for Indiana’s open Senate seat on Wednesday.
Banks, the former chairman of the Republican Study Committee, has been one of Trump’s most vocal allies in the House and was one of the first GOP lawmakers to back him in his 2024 presidential bid.
STEVE DAINES CHARTS NEW PATH FOR NRSC WITH JIM BANKS QUASI-ENDORSEMENT
“Jim Banks is running for the United States Senate from the Great State of Indiana. I know Jim well, have seen him tested at the highest and most difficult levels, and WIN! Strong on the Border, Crime, our Military and our Vets, Jim will fight for low taxes and regulations, Sanity in Government, and our under siege 2nd Amendment. Jim Banks is respected by all, will never let you down, and has my Complete & Total Endorsement!” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.
The Indiana Republican announced his plans to run for the seat being vacated by Sen. Mike Braun (R-IN), who is running for governor, last month, running on a platform that aligns closely with Trump’s positions.
He touted the former president’s endorsement in a tweet Wednesday morning. “Proud to be endorsed by the greatest president in my lifetime @realDonaldTrump!” Banks wrote.
Proud to be endorsed by the greatest president in my lifetime @realdonaldtrump! ???? pic.twitter.com/KjfVMgC1DH
— Jim Banks (@Jim_Banks) February 1, 2023
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It is unclear which other Republicans will jump into the race, with Rep. Victoria Spartz (R-IN) rumored to be considering a bid. Former Gov. Mitch Daniels (R-IN) announced earlier this week that he would not run, shortly after visiting with members of the upper chamber to get a sense of whether or not he should launch a bid.
Banks has received a number of high-profile endorsements in addition to Trump’s, including from Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR), House Republican Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY), and Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-TX).
