Trump ally Banks endorses Nate Morris in Kentucky Senate race
Sen. Jim Banks (R-Ind.) on Thursday endorsed businessman Nate Morris in the race to replace retiring Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), giving Morris the support of another figure with close ties to President Trump.
In an exclusive statement to The Hill, Banks praised Morris as the “America First” candidate in the race who would back Trump’s agenda.
“Nate understands, just like I do, that America is the greatest country in the world and always worth fighting for,” Banks said. “Nate is the America First fighter we need in the Senate. President Trump needs more allies in the Senate, and Nate Morris will never let him or Kentucky down. This is no time for squishy Republicans.”
Banks is the first U.S. senator to endorse Morris in the race. The Indiana lawmaker is a close ally of both Trump and Vice President Vance. Banks was the first member of the House to back Vance in his Senate primary in Ohio in 2021.
“I’m incredibly honored to have the support of one of President Trump’s most staunch allies and one of the fiercest opponents of amnesty in the U.S. Senate,” Morris said of Banks’ endorsement in a statement to The Hill.
Morris has steadily been building support among prominent conservatives aligned with Trump, which could be key in a crowded primary race. The business executive announced his Senate bid on Donald Trump Jr.’s podcast last month, and he has already scored an endorsement from Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, a staunch ally of the president.
Morris, who founded a waste and recycling business, earlier this month announced a seven-figure ad campaign targeting McConnell and other Republicans who have launched campaigns to replace the outgoing senator.
Those who have declared their candidacy in the Republican primary field include Morris, Rep. Andy Barr (R-Ky.), former Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron and businessman Michael Faris.
McConnell announced in February that he would not seek reelection in 2026. He has served in the Senate since 1985, including 18 years as leader of the Senate GOP conference.
The nonpartisan Cook Political Report rates the Kentucky Senate race as “solid Republican” in the 2026 race, meaning it is extremely unlikely to flip.