No. 2 Senate Republican endorses Trump for president

GOP Sen. John Thune, the No. 2 Republican in the Senate, is endorsing former President Donald Trump as the party’s nominee, his office confirmed to CNN.

The backing from the South Dakota Republican, who has been critical of Trump, is the latest indication of the former president’s grip on the party as he barrels toward the nomination. Coming on the heels of Trump’s win in Saturday’s South Carolina primary, it’s particularly notable given Thune’s vocal skepticism about the former president’s strength as a general election candidate and the role Thune plays in the establishment wing of the party.

Thune and Trump spoke on the phone Saturday night after the primary was called, and the senator told Trump he would be endorsing him, a source familiar told CNN.

Thune said last month said he’d support the eventual GOP nominee, but his endorsement comes despite misgivings from some in the party about how the former president may impact down-ballot races as the GOP seeks to regain the Senate.

While House GOP leadership has rallied around Trump, Senate Republicans have been slower to do so. McConnell hasn’t spoken to Trump in more than three years and tries to avoid uttering his name in public, CNN reported last month.

Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming, the third-ranking member of Senate GOP leadership, backed Trump just before the Iowa caucuses.

Texas Sen. John Cornyn – another possible future leader who tends to stay out of contested primaries – backed Trump after his New Hampshire victory, even as he raised concerns about the former president’s electability in a general election.

This story has been updated with additional reporting.