by Mary Lou Masters
Former President Donald Trump endorsed Republican Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming to be the next Senate GOP whip Thursday.
Barrasso, who currently serves as the Senate Republican Conference chair, threw his hat in the race after current Minority Whip John Thune announced he’d vie to succeed Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. Trump threw his support behind Barrasso for the position in a Truth Social post after the chairman endorsed the presumptive Republican presidential nominee in early January for 2024.
“John Barrasso is a fantastic Senator for the incredible people of Wyoming,” Trump wrote. “He is running to be the next Republican Whip for the Senate Republican Conference, a very important job, to ensure we pass and enact Strong Legislation that puts America First. I know John very well — he will never let you down. John Barrasso has my Complete and Total Endorsement!”
“I’m grateful for President Trump’s endorsement. I’m ready to keep fighting for Wyoming with him back in the White House,” Barrasso told the Daily Caller News Foundation in a statement. “Trump’s policies helped Wyoming thrive. Together, we can dump the disastrous Biden agenda and get our country back on track.”
McConnell’s decision to retire from the position after roughly 17 years in November has prompted numerous shakeups in the Senate Republican leadership ranks.
Republican Texas Sen. Jon Cornyn is also competing to succeed McConnell, who said he will serve out the remainder of his Senate term.
Senate Republican Policy Committee Chair Joni Ernst is running to replace Barrasso, who holds the next-highest position in leadership than she does. GOP Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas is also vying for the role, but doesn’t currently hold an elected leadership position.
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Mary Lou Masters is a reporter at Daily Caller News Foundation.
Photo “John Barrasso” by JD Vance.
