Republican U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran took another step Friday toward locking down his party’s nomination for reelection next year when he landed the support of former Vice President Mike Pence.
Pence tweeted out his support for Moran on Friday shortly after 3 p.m. By 3:25, it had 271 “likes” and 48 retweets.
“There is no greater fighter for Kansas than Sen. Jerry Moran – a strong conservative who always puts Kansas First while a working champion to farmers & ranchers, defend the Right to Life, & protect our Second Amendment!
“I’m proud to support @moranforkansas!”
Moran’s office did not comment on the endorsement, pointing to the senator’s reaction on Facebook.
“Thank you Vice President Pence!” the senator posted on Facebook.
Pence’s support for Moran comes about two weeks after former President Donald Trump came out in support of Moran ahead of the senator’s 2022 reelection campaign.
“Senator Jerry Moran is doing a terrific job for the wonderful people of Kansas,” the former president said in an email sent out Feb. 25.
“Strong on military, vets, the border and our Second Amendment, Jerry has my complete and total endorsement for his re-election.”
The endorsement further helps Moran shore up his right flank where there have been signs of vulnerability.
The Clay County Republican Party censured him last month for voting to uphold the election of President Joe Biden.
And Wichita native Matt Schlapp has been mentioned as a potential primary challenger to the Moran.
Described as a “pro-life power couple,” Schlapp and his wife, Mercedes, will be featured at a breakfast sponsored by Kansans for Life at the state Republican Party Convention in Manhattan on April 24.
