NRSC backs Jim Banks as Mitch Daniels passes on Senate run - NBC News

Jan. 31, 2023, 11:20 AM EST By Bridget Bowman GOP Rep. Jim Banks is consolidating support for his Indiana Senate campaign, with former Gov. Mitch Daniels deciding not to run for the open seat. The National Republican Senatorial Committee backed Banks on Tuesday following Daniels' announcement. “I have the utmost respect for the years of service Governor Daniels has given to Indiana and wish him well in the future," NRSC Chairman Steve Daines, R-Mont., said in a statement. "I’m looking forward to working with one of our top recruits this cycle, Jim Banks, to keep Indiana red in 2024.” For Subscribers FOR SUBSCRIBERS Locals called their town ‘Almost Heaven’. A plan to open a Buc-ee’s exposed its underbelly. FOR SUBSCRIBERS Outrage, backlash and inaction: Why can’t America stop rape on college campuses? FOR SUBSCRIBERS France shuts down nearly 900 schools as violent student protests escalate FOR SUBSCRIBERS This voting bloc holds the key to the midterms FOR SUBSCRIBERS Florida Democrats try to regain their mojo after years of Republican dominance FOR SUBSCRIBERS Justice Department tells employees to adopt Trump’s AI rebrand FOR SUBSCRIBERS U.S. housing market sets a grim record as sellers swamp buyers FOR SUBSCRIBERS Texts show worried Cornell fraternity brothers coordinating responses as accusations came to light FOR SUBSCRIBERS Former Olympic canoeist asks government watchdogs to probe ‘nightmare’ Reflecting Pool case FOR SUBSCRIBERS A psychedelic drug could soon get approved in the U.S. What should the rules be? FOR SUBSCRIBERS The Data Dive: Steve Kornacki on how Kansas became a surprise midterm battleground FOR SUBSCRIBERS Baltic nations brace for Russian attacks as border threats escalate FOR SUBSCRIBERS Latino voters feel buyer’s remorse in battleground Texas FOR SUBSCRIBERS Tips came in just minutes after Cornell alerted students to an alleged sex assault at a frat house FOR SUBSCRIBERS What’s on the Supreme Court’s docket this term? Daines has signaled that he is more willing to take sides in GOP primaries , as Republicans regroup following a disappointing midterm elections which some in the party blame on problematic nominees. Banks had already been endorsed by the conservative group Club for Growth, which pledged to spend millions against Daniels if he jumped in the race. Daniels was openly weighing a run to replace GOP Sen. Mike Braun, who is running for governor. He even recently traveling to the nation's capital to meet with GOP senators. But Daniels ultimately decided the Senate was not for him. For Subscribers FOR SUBSCRIBERS Locals called their town ‘Almost Heaven’. A plan to open a Buc-ee’s exposed its underbelly. FOR SUBSCRIBERS Outrage, backlash and inaction: Why can’t America stop rape on college campuses? FOR SUBSCRIBERS France shuts down nearly 900 schools as violent student protests escalate FOR SUBSCRIBERS This voting bloc holds the key to the midterms FOR SUBSCRIBERS Florida Democrats try to regain their mojo after years of Republican dominance FOR SUBSCRIBERS Justice Department tells employees to adopt Trump’s AI rebrand FOR SUBSCRIBERS U.S. housing market sets a grim record as sellers swamp buyers FOR SUBSCRIBERS Texts show worried Cornell fraternity brothers coordinating responses as accusations came to light FOR SUBSCRIBERS Former Olympic canoeist asks government watchdogs to probe ‘nightmare’ Reflecting Pool case FOR SUBSCRIBERS A psychedelic drug could soon get approved in the U.S. What should the rules be? FOR SUBSCRIBERS The Data Dive: Steve Kornacki on how Kansas became a surprise midterm battleground FOR SUBSCRIBERS Baltic nations brace for Russian attacks as border threats escalate FOR SUBSCRIBERS Latino voters feel buyer’s remorse in battleground Texas FOR SUBSCRIBERS Tips came in just minutes after Cornell alerted students to an alleged sex assault at a frat house FOR SUBSCRIBERS What’s on the Supreme Court’s docket this term? “After what I hope was adequate reflection, I’ve decided not to become a candidate for the U.S. Senate,” Daniels said in a statement on Tuesday, which was first reported by Politico . “With full credit and respect for the institution and those serving in it, I conclude that it’s just not the job for me, not the town for me, and not the life I want to live at this point.” Other Republicans have also been considered potential Senate candidates, including GOP Rep. Victoria Spartz and former GOP Rep. Trey Hollingsworth. Republicans are likely be well-positioned to hold onto this Senate seat. Former President Donald Trump won the Hoosier State by 16 percentage points in 2020. Bridget Bowman Bridget Bowman is a national political reporter for NBC News.