First appearance on Fox: As the clock nears midnight in the New Hampshire primary, former President Donald Trump has received an endorsement from one of the nation's largest Catholic advocacy groups.
Fox News Digital has learned that CatholicVote is endorsing Trump as a presidential candidate and expressing support for the former president.
Additionally, CatholicVote is encouraging New Hampshire's approximately 137,000 Catholic voters to vote for Trump in Tuesday's presidential primary.
Trump to attend New Hampshire rally with Scott, Ramaswamy, Burgum and others in 'show of strength'; Republicans 'united'
As the clock nears midnight in the New Hampshire primary, former President Donald Trump has received an endorsement from one of the nation's largest Catholic advocacy groups. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
Catholic Vote President Brian Burch told Fox News Digital that Catholic Vote has “remained neutral” in the primary so far because he believes “there are a number of strong and compelling candidates in the race.” he said.
“But the number of candidates has shrunk dramatically in the last week, and we're now in a two-person race,” Birch said. “And I think it's important at this point that Catholics start rallying around President Trump.”
“Not only is he a much better choice than Nikki Haley, he's the choice Americans need in November,” Birch continued. “And Catholics … will play a critical role in this election, in which the fate of our Catholic way of life is truly at stake.”
Birch said supporting Trump was not a “huge gamble” and said Americans had been “watching” Trump for four years, touting the former president's track record of judicial appointments.
Birch also highlighted former President Trump's “courage” as well as the “people he surrounded himself with.”
Trump's endorsement by Catholic advocacy groups comes as he seeks a rematch with President Biden, who is Catholic. (Reuters/Kevin Lamarque)
“And I think we realized that of all the virtues, the necessary ones are: [to be president], that courage is essential. Many candidates come and go, checking boxes on certain policies and issues, especially on campaigns. But I think what separated President Trump from many leaders was his courage to do the right thing, no matter the consequences. ”
CatholicVote announced it will email and text approximately 137,000 Catholic voters in New Hampshire to rally behind Trump.
“Warning: Catholics across New Hampshire are uniting behind Donald Trump! America’s largest Catholic advocacy organization just announced its support for President Trump. Because he has given his best to the United States and will once again take the lead,” reads the text obtained by Fox News Digital.
“We can't let the media decide this election,” he continued. “President Trump needs your vote now!”
President Joe Biden leaves St. Edmund Roman Catholic Church after attending Mass on Sunday, September 3, 2023 in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Senator)
The support from Catholic advocacy groups comes as Trump seeks a rematch with President Biden, who is Catholic. Fox News Digital has reached out to the Trump campaign for comment on the endorsement.
CatholicVote's endorsement of Trump was announced hours before New Hampshire flexed its political muscle as the nation's first presidential primary.
After Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis suspended his campaign on Sunday, the Republican race has narrowed down to two main candidates: Trump and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley.
But Biden finds himself in a uniquely awkward situation heading into Tuesday.
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The drama between his campaign and Granite State over where the first Democratic primary will be held culminated in the president being removed from the New Hampshire primary ballot.
Biden now needs to turn to a write-in campaign to win the race.
