Senator John Cornyn, a Texas Republican, has long expressed doubts about Donald Trump’s potential for success in the 2024 presidential race. Despite endorsing Trump after the New Hampshire primary, Cornyn maintains that Trump’s inability to broaden his appeal beyond his core supporters could spell defeat in a general election.
As Trump emerges as the likely GOP candidate, concerns about his divisive candidacy persist, particularly within the Senate GOP. Many members still vividly recall the 2021 Capitol attack and had hoped Trump would not re-enter the national stage. Others attribute the GOP’s failure to regain the majority in the 2022 midterms to Trump and have remained silent as the 2024 presidential primary unfolds.
Despite these reservations, Trump’s influence in GOP politics remains strong. However, there are fears that his controversial nature and four criminal indictments could jeopardize the GOP’s chances of retaining the House and regaining the Senate.
Exit polls from New Hampshire’s GOP primary highlight these concerns. While Trump secured about three-quarters of GOP voters, he struggled to win over independents and more moderate voters. Nearly 90% of voters who supported former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley stated they would not be satisfied if Trump were the nominee.
Republicans fear that Trump’s polarizing presence could alienate independent voters crucial to winning battleground House and Senate seats, potentially costing them control of Congress. One swing-district House Republican expressed belief that Trump could cost the GOP the House, citing that 20% of GOP voters would not vote for him and that independent voters, while finding Biden weak, dislike Trump.
Despite these concerns, numerous Republicans have endorsed Trump following his victories in Iowa and New Hampshire. However, key Republicans, including Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell and Senator Susan Collins of Maine, have yet to endorse Trump. Collins, one of the seven Senate Republicans who voted to convict Trump in his impeachment trial, stated she does not see herself endorsing Trump, even if he becomes the GOP nominee.
Despite resistance, even those most opposed to Trump are beginning to accept that efforts within the GOP to halt his candidacy may be futile. Retiring Senator Mitt Romney of Utah, who voted to convict Trump in both of his impeachment trials, expressed doubt about the revival of his wing of the party.
Many senators are still grappling with Trump’s resurgence within the party after he left Washington in disgrace in 2021. Asked to explain Trump’s comeback within the GOP, multiple Republicans pointed to the weakness of Biden and the belief among the GOP base that Trump is a necessary force to “disrupt” Washington.
For Cornyn, he admitted to underestimating the anger voters in both parties have towards Washington. “And I think President Trump, in many people’s minds, is the answer to that status quo,” he said.
Contributors to this report include CNN’s Ted Barrett, Sam Fossum, Kristin Wilson, Haley Talbot, and Lauren Fox.