Herschel Walker gets McConnell's blessing

Georgia Senate candidate Herschel Walker has won the endorsement of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, cementing his support from the Republican Party establishment in a race that could determine which party controls the chamber.

The endorsement could help Walker lock down the GOP primary, where he faces several lesser-known opponents. Walker entered the race with the backing of former President Donald Trump, a longtime friend who recruited him into the contest. On Monday, the retired football player received the backing of South Dakota Sen. John Thune, the No. 2 Senate Republican.

Walker initially drew skepticism from Senate GOP leaders who worried that revelations about his past behavior would make him a weak nominee. But those concerns have abated in recent days, with Republican officials saying they have been impressed with Walker’s fundraising abilities and the campaign team he has put together.

Party officials also say there is little desire for Walker to face the kind of hard-fought primary that has scarred past Republican nominees ahead of the general election. The eventual Republican nominee will face Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock, a freshman who won his seat in a January special election. Warnock has been raising massive sums ahead of next year’s midterm election.

"Herschel is the only one who can unite the party, defeat Senator Warnock, and help us take back the Senate. I look forward to working with Herschel in Washington to get the job done,” McConnell said in a statement to POLITICO.

McConnell’s endorsement of Walker is the leader’s first for a non-incumbent in the 2022 elections.

Walker has spoken with an array of Republican senators in recent months, including McConnell, Texas Sen. John Cornyn, and Florida Sen. Rick Scott, the chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee. The committee has remained officially neutral in the primary.

Walker has also spoken with Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso, the Senate GOP conference chair who has given Walker a donation, according to a person familiar with the matter.

Walker has faced scrutiny over his past behavior, including his divorce from a woman who accused him of pointing a gun at her head and engaging in controlling behavior. He was also faced questions about his management of a chicken company he owns, Renaissance Man Food Services.

The former running back has been open about his struggles with Dissociative Identity Disorder, a mental health condition in which a person has multiple personalities that control their behavior.

Walker has also received endorsements from GOP Sens. Josh Hawley of Missouri, Steve Daines of Montana, Roger Marshall of Kansas and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina. Graham has played a key role in helping to guide Walker’s candidacy.