Donald Trump endorses Jim Banks for U.S. Senate
Former President Donald Trump has endorsed U.S. Rep. Jim Banks in the race for Indiana's open Senate seat in 2024.
Trump, who is also running for president in 2024, said on his social media platform Truth Social that Banks "is respected by all, will never let you down, and has my Complete & Total Endorsement!"
Banks, a 43-year-old Republican from Columbia City is currently in his fourth term representing Indiana's third congressional district, which covers the northeastern part of the state. He launched his bid for Senate two weeks ago, seeking the seat that Sen. Mike Braun will vacate as he runs for governor.
Banks is the only person to announce his candidacy so far. On Tuesday, former governor Mitch Daniels announced he would not enter the race. U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz, a Republican from Noblesville representing Indiana's fifth district, told IndyStar on Tuesday said she hadn't decided whether she'll seek the Senate seat.
While Daniels was still mulling a Senate bid, another Trump trashed him on Twitter. Donald Trump Jr., called him a "weak RINO" and said he'd be "Mitt Romney 2.0."
Banks has emerged as a leading Republican in the House's far-right wing. He reported nearly $1.4 million cash on hand in his latest filing for Congress with the Federal Election Commission and already has been endorsed by the fundraising powerhouse Club for Growth, a conservative advocacy group that also endorsed him during his 2016 run for Congress.
In his endorsement, Trump said Banks would be strong on the border, crime and the military and fight for low taxes and regulations, as well as "sanity in government and our under siege 2nd Amendment."
"I know Jim well, have seen him tested at the highest and most difficult levels, and WIN!" he said.
Call IndyStar state government & politics reporter Arika Herron at 317-201-5620 or email her at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter: @ArikaHerron.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Donald Trump endorses Jim Banks for U.S. Senate