Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) became the 13th senator to endorse former President Donald Trump’s reelection bid on Monday, saying that the GOP “political primary charade” needs to end.
“While others may try to imitate him, only President Trump will put our country back on track on day one,” Mr. Marshall said. “It’s time for the GOP to unite behind President Trump. Let’s end the political primary charade and focus on retiring Joe Biden.”
In the statement, the senator also criticized President Joe Biden’s administration and blamed him for high inflation, climate-related policies, and record numbers of illegal immigrants crossing the U.S.–Mexico border.
“Since the day Joe Biden stepped foot in the Oval Office, this White House declared war on American agriculture and American energy independence in pursuit of their Green New Deal agenda and electric vehicle mandates,” Mr. Marshall said in his statement, adding that the border is now being controlled by “cartels” and has allowed “nearly 10 million illegal aliens into our country, and permitting lethal fentanyl to pour into our communities.”
In endorsing President Trump, the senator added that U.S. “farm country is struggling,” while the “American dream is being pushed further out of reach. We need an America-first leader back in the White House who fights for families in the Heartland and the values we live by.”
Meanwhile, a number of Republican governors and U.S. House lawmakers have similarly backed the former president. Notably, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott threw his support behind President Trump during an event on Sunday at the U.S.–Mexico border, while South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem and West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice—who is running for his state’s Senate seat—have done the same.
Responding to Mr. Abbott’s backing on Sunday, President Trump told him, “I am going to make your job much easier” if he’s elected next year. “You’ll be able to focus on other things in Texas,” he said.
According to a running list provided by Ballotpedia, among the GOP presidential candidates, the former president has by far the most endorsements from Senators, House lawmakers, and governors.
A handful of House lawmakers and two governors—Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt—have endorsed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ bid. North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, a GOP candidate, has received the endorsements from all members of North Dakota’s congressional delegation, while former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley was endorsed by Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.).
Before he dropped out of the race earlier this month, Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) had been endorsed by Senate Minority Whip John Thune (R-S.D.) and Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.). Of note, Mr. Scott has declined to endorse any of the other 2024 presidential candidates, which includes Ms. Haley, who was the former governor of South Carolina.
The endorsement comes as President Trump continues to dominate the GOP field of candidates despite facing legal hurdles and dozens of criminal charges.
Businessman Vivek Ramaswamy is polling at 4.7 percent, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is at 2.3 percent, and former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson has less than 1 percent. Both Mr. Scott and former Vice President Mike Pence, who also suspended his campaign several weeks ago, never were able to obtain significant support.
The fourth Republican presidential debate is slated for Dec. 6 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Former President Trump’s campaign has said he won’t participate in any of the debates, citing his dominance in the polls.
The Republican National Committee said the debate will be hosted by NewsNation, “The Megyn Kelly Show” on SiriusXM, and the Washington Free Beacon. Hosts will include Ms. Kelly, NewsNation’s Elizabeth Vargas, and Washington Free Beacon’s Eliana Johnson, according to the RNC.
“It will be the margarita of debates—spicy, fun and somewhat intoxicating,” Ms. Kelly, a former Fox News host who moderated a 2016 GOP debate, said in a statement earlier this month. “Looking forward to it.”
To make the stage, candidates must garner at least 6 percent in two approved national polls, or 6 percent in one poll from two separate early-voting states: Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada, and South Carolina.
