Press release:
United States President Donald Trump announced his endorsement today of Chris Jacobs for the Republican Primary in New York’s 27th Congressional District on June 23rd.
The President wrote in a tweet, “Chris Jacobs will be a tremendous Congressman who will always fight for New York. He is Strong on the Border, our Military and Vets, and the Second Amendment. Chris has my Complete and Total Endorsement! Vote for Chris on June 23!”
President Trump had previously endorsed Jacobs for the Special Election in the 27th Congressional District to fill the duration of the Congressional term vacated by former Congressman Chris Collins -- this endorsement solidifies Jacobs as the only candidate in the district to carry the President’s endorsement.
“I am deeply honored to have the support of our President for the upcoming primary election, and I’m proud to be the only candidate to carry his endorsement for this district. Western New York needs a conservative leader in Congress to fight for our values, and our President needs an ally who will help him fight for all Americans as we rebuild our nation,” Jacobs said. “Our President has put his trust in me and knows I am the leader he needs in Washington with him working to get tough on China, secure our borders, and build our economy. I look forward to working every day to help him accomplish his America First Agenda.”
Jacobs is also the only candidate to receive the endorsement of House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA), Congresswomen Elise Stefanik (R-NY), Former Congressman Jack Quinn (R-NY), NYS Senator Patrick Gallivan, NYS Assemblyman Angelo Morinello, NYS Assemblyman Mike Norris, and Erie County Sheriff Timothy Howard.
UPDATE: Response from Nate McMurray
Congressional Candidate Nate McMurray responded today to President Donald Trump’s Twitter endorsement of Chris Jacobs in light of the current calls for justice and reform in this country.
“A murder was committed by a police officer on video for all the world to see," McMurray said. "When a crime is committed like the death of George Floyd and justice isn’t served the result is lawlessness; we can’t condone lawlessness whether it’s committed by our police officers or by rioters.
"But I fear we are missing the larger picture; millions of peaceful protesters have come together to call for reform to our broken justice system that devalues people based solely upon the color of their skin. These voices must be heard or we will all continue to suffer. If we want the burning to stop, we need to listen, we need to reform, we need to be more focused on peace than violence.
"Chris Jacobs’ and Beth Parlato’s blind support of Trump’s violent rhetoric only hurts the cause of justice and peace, and I am calling on them to show the courage necessary to ask the President to focus on compassion, healing, and justice. We need to bring this country together, not divide it further. But don't just take my word for it, hear what other Republicans across this Country are saying.”
Congressman Tom Reed said: "Justice must be served for the murder of George Floyd. In this tragedy, two things can be true at once. People’s voices and frustrations must always be allowed to be heard in our free society but rioting is never acceptable. Those responsible for this murder must face justice but we recognize that the vast majority of our law enforcement officers are honorable men and women who have a true public servant at heart."
Congresswoman Elise Stefanik called on the President to address the public about George Floyd’s death and police brutality, “Whether that’s an oval office address or some form of providing a message to the American people that we grieve together, but also the importance of the rule of law.”
“The country is looking for healing and calm," said Senate Majority Whip John Thune. "And I think the president needs to project that in his tone. He masters that sometimes. That’s the tone he needs to strike right now.”
Senator Tim Scott said, "But obviously, if your question is, should you use tear gas to clear a path so the President can go have a photo op, the answer is no.”
