Rep. Lance Gooden Endorses Former President Donald Trump’s 2024 Presidential Bid, Signaling His Continued Influence in the Republican Party

Rep. Lance Gooden (R-Texas) has endorsed former President Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential bid after a “positive meeting” with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday. Gooden made the announcement after careful consideration of the race, citing Trump as the only leader who can save America from the leftist onslaught.

The meeting was held at the conservative Heritage Foundation think tank’s office near Capitol Hill and was attended by Sens. John Cornyn of Texas and Mike Lee of Utah. DeSantis offered brief remarks about his successes in Florida and his legislative agenda, before chatting one-on-one with the attendees.

Gooden’s endorsement of Trump is a stinging rebuke of the potential GOP presidential contender, as other notable GOP members from DeSantis’ home state have decided to back the former president. Lawmakers who attended the event said they were keeping their powder dry and wouldn’t make any endorsements just yet.

Trump has not yet officially announced his candidacy for the 2024 presidential election, but his supporters have been vocal in their support of a potential run. DeSantis has also been floated as a potential GOP presidential contender, and his visit to Washington, D.C. was seen as a way to court Republican support.

The endorsement of Trump by Gooden is a sign of the former president’s continued influence in the Republican party, and could be a sign of things to come as the 2024 presidential election approaches. It remains to be seen which candidate will ultimately receive the GOP nomination, but it is clear that Trump will be a major factor in the race.