Pundits are mostly sold on the idea that former President Donald Trump will once again be the GOP nominee if he decides to run in 2024.
Aside from him, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is widely considered the front runner.
But recently, South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott’s name has emerged as a potential underdog — and he’s suddenly attracting big money attention.
According to a recent report, Scott is generating so much buzz among Republican donors he’s being “showered with attention and cash.”
And critics think he could ride a major wave to a 2024 GOP primary victory.
Based on a Politico report, Scott has been courting billionaire and Oracle Corp. Chairman Larry Ellison. Ellison has become quite the donor to Scott’s causes, gifting a reported $10 million haul toward causes aligned with the South Carolina senator.
Politico’s report describes Scott as a “fundraising powerhouse” who has seen a boost in profile ever since April.
In that month he delivered the response to President Joe Biden’s congressional address.
"Hear me clearly: America is not a racist country."
Sen. Tim Scott, the only Black Republican in the Senate, rebuts President Biden's address to Congress by discussing the racial progress the US has made. https://t.co/vK2gASETRG pic.twitter.com/3Xuf26BZ6I
— CNN (@CNN) April 29, 2021
Scott has seized on the opportunity to become recognizable among the GOP’s most influential party leaders.
Of course, his rise then previews a scenario where Scott will be going head to head with Trump, DeSantis, and whoever else may join the fray in 2024.
But the report notes that — based on Republican insider gossip — he may have an ace up his sleeve when the horses line up at the starting gate.
“With the top levels of the GOP divided over whether to remain in lockstep with Trump or break away from him, senior Republicans say Scott’s ability to win support from divergent wings of the party could be an asset should he wage a 2024 run,” Alex Isenstadt of Politico writes.
But before 2024, Scott has to win his re-election in 2022.
Per Politico, “… he is focused on his 2022 reelection campaign in South Carolina, where he is a heavy favorite.”
But as Scott courts megadonors and gains attention, there’s no denying 2024 weighs heavily on his mind.
The Horn editorial team