Republicans are still reeling and recovering from a disappointing 2022 Midterm election cycle.
Now the party is hoping the 2024 Senate map will lead to better results in the next cycle.
And former President Donald Trump is already kicking off the campaign with a surprising first endorsement.
Let the games begin
Unlike 2022, the map of Senate seats up for grabs in 2024 makes it likely Democrats will be playing a lot of defense next year.
The party is defending more than twice as many seats as Republicans, and it’s already facing the possibility that some of its incumbents could retire, leaving open competitive seats.
Democrats will have to fend off Republicans in Arizona, Michigan, Montana, Ohio, Nevada, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
And it’s not likely to be a banner year for the blue team when its best potential pick-up opportunities are most likely in Florida and Texas.
With so many important races on tap for 2024, Donald Trump’s first endorsement of the cycle was a surprising one.
Trump endorses Banks
The 45th President of the United States just weighed in on who he believes should win the primary in the open Indiana Senate race.
The former President just announced his full endorsement for Rep. Jim Banks to replace Sen. Mike Braun – who has announced he will run for Governor.
“Jim Banks is running for the United States Senate from the Great State of Indiana,” Trump said. “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!”
A crowded field still to come?
Former Gov. Mitch Daniels announced this week that he will not seek Braun’s Senate seat, in what could have been a position swap.
With Daniels out of the race, some big names, including Trump, are now rushing to support Rep. Banks – who has already announced he will run for the seat.
National Republican Senatorial Committee Chair and Montana Sen. Steve Daines immediately endorsed Banks as soon as Daniels opted out of the race.
Newly-elected Ohio Senator JD Vance – who was also endorsed by Trump – has thrown his support behind Banks as well.
Several other notable Hoosier State Republicans, including Gov. Eric Holcomb, Attorney General Todd Rokita, Rep. Victoria Spartz, and ex-Rep. Trey Hollingsworth are also rumored to be considering a Senate bid and have not yet publicly closed the door on running for Braun’s seat.
As for Banks, he’s grateful to have Trump’s backing.
“President Trump was the first president of my lifetime to confront the China threat and put working families in Indiana and across the country first,” Banks said in response to Trumps’ endorsement. “I’m grateful to President Trump for his support and look forward to fighting for the America First agenda in the U.S. Senate.”
Deplorable Daily will keep you up-to-date on any developments to this ongoing story.
