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Prior to Friday’s bombshell release of Donald Trump’s hot mic recording in which he brags about groping women without their consent, Republican members of Congress were becoming more and more unified behind Donald Trump. Even Ted Cruz, who had pointedly refused to endorse Trump at the Republican convention fell in line recently and declared his support for Trump’s candidacy.
Most of the holdouts were either retiring from Congress or they were in extremely liberal states where being linked to Trump would be a big liability.
But on Saturday morning, the tide of Trump support in Congress seemed to reverse. Several prominent members of Congress who had previously endorsed Trump reversed themselves and condemned his candidacy instead. Others who had been silent on his candidacy called on him to drop out. And these were not all moderates or people about to retire. Some were card-carrying conservatives running for reelection.
New Hampshire Sen. Kelly Ayotte, who is in a tough re-election race
I will not vote for Donald Trump. Read my statement here: pic.twitter.com/F8zajgDZpg
— Kelly Ayotte (@KellyAyotte) October 8, 2016
Sen. Lisa Murkowski, a moderate Republican from Alaska
I cannot and will not support Donald Trump for president. He has forfeited the right to be our party’s nominee.
— Lisa Murkowski (@LisaForSenate) October 8, 2016
Republican Sen. Deb Fischer, of Nebraska
Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE) now also out on Trump.
— Jeff B/DDHQ (@EsotericCD) October 8, 2016
Sen. Mike Crapo, who is expected to cruise to an easy victory in solidly Republican Idaho
I can no longer endorse Donald Trump. Read my full statement: pic.twitter.com/lfa9mYZbdC
— Senator Mike Crapo (@MikeCrapo) October 8, 2016
Sen. John Thune, who is expected to win reelection easily in South Dakota
Donald Trump should withdraw and Mike Pence should be our nominee effective immediately.
— Senator John Thune (@SenJohnThune) October 8, 2016
Jason Chaffetz, a senior congressman from conservative Utah
Here's video of Chaffetz withdrawing his endorsement. "I'm out." pic.twitter.com/U6ernQfl9o
— Tim Hanrahan (@TimJHanrahan) October 8, 2016
Martha Roby, a conservative congreswoman from Alabama
Donald Trump's behavior makes him unacceptable as a candidate for president, and I won't vote for him.
— Rep. Martha Roby (@RepMarthaRoby) October 8, 2016
Full statement: pic.twitter.com/Ge7GU1TSvm
Rep. Joe Heck, who is running for Senate in Nevada
Video: Rep. Joe Heck, in close senate race in Nevada, calls on Trump to drop out as some in crowd boo him https://t.co/uHHVupSykb
— Bradd Jaffy (@BraddJaffy) October 8, 2016
Barbara Comstock, a congresswoman from Virginia, had previously refused to comment on Trump’s candidacy
Donald Trump should step aside and allow our party to replace him..I cannot in good conscience vote for Trump. https://t.co/ExrJgblx7e #VA10
— Barbara Comstock (@BarbaraComstock) October 8, 2016
Below is an interactive of all major Republicans who have refused to support Trump.