Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker has endorsed Republican Sen. Josh Hawley for re-election, citing his "family" and "godly" values. Butker also defended his earlier comments about women's roles in society, saying that he believes there is "nothing shameful" in choosing to raise children over pursuing a career.
Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker has endorsed Republican Sen. Josh Hawley for re-election, praising him as a "family" and "godly" man. Butker made the announcement during an appearance on "The Ingraham Angle" alongside Hawley on Thursday.
"We have spent the last several years together forming this relationship, and he's a family man, he's a godly man, and there's no other person I'd want to support to be the first candidate that I'm endorsing," Butker said.
Chiefs Kicker Harrison Butker Endorses Sen. Josh Hawley, Defends Traditional Values
Hawley, who is running against Democratic candidate Lucas Kunce, said it was an "honor" to have Butker's endorsement and to have the Chiefs kicker out on the campaign trail with him.
"This is a guy who's not afraid to speak the truth, who's not afraid to say that we have got to stand on the principles that this country was founded on. And when the left came after him in such a crazy, nutty way this last spring, he didn't give an inch. And we need more of that in the United States of America," Hawley said.
Chiefs Kicker Harrison Butker Endorses Sen. Josh Hawley, Defends Traditional Values
Butker came under fire earlier this year over remarks he made about women and their careers during a commencement address at Benedictine College. He praised the female graduates for their accomplishments but said they've been told "diabolical lies" and should embrace becoming a "homemaker."
Butker told Fox News host Laura Ingraham that he was "saddened" that some people had taken his words in a "poor manner."
Chiefs Kicker Harrison Butker Endorses Sen. Josh Hawley, Defends Traditional Values
"I was trying to speak life for so many women that have dedicated their life to being the homemaker, being the one that raises the children, and it's a beautiful role, but it's not a role that should be diminished," he explained.
"There's nothing shameful if you are a woman and you want to spend time with your family and raise your children, so it's not putting down anyone who maybe wants to go get a great education and have a career, but it's more talking about how beautiful it is for women to maybe just step aside and prioritize their family and spend time with their children and raise their family," he added.
Chiefs Kicker Harrison Butker Endorses Sen. Josh Hawley, Defends Traditional Values
Ingraham asked Butker if he was supporting former President Trump in November, but Butker said he would only support the presidential candidate who would be "the most pro-life."
"I think you have to vote for whoever is going to be the most pro-life," Butker said. "And we have to be prayerful men that put God first, and I think that's what's going to be best for our country."
Chiefs Kicker Harrison Butker Endorses Sen. Josh Hawley, Defends Traditional Values
Butker is a committed Catholic and has been married to his wife, Isabelle, since 2018. The couple has one son, Hayes, who was born in 2021.
Butker has been the Chiefs' kicker since 2017 and has played a key role in the team's success. He is known for his powerful leg and his ability to make clutch kicks.
Butker is not the first athlete to endorse Hawley. Former Missouri football star Riley Gaines recently starred in a Hawley campaign ad hitting his Democratic opponent's support for the "radical trans agenda."
Hawley is a controversial figure in Missouri politics. He has been criticized for his support of former President Trump and his efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election. However, he remains a popular figure among Republican voters in the state.
The Missouri Senate race is expected to be one of the most competitive in the country in November. Kunce, a former Marine, has raised millions of dollars and has the backing of national Democratic groups. However, Hawley has the advantage of incumbency and is well-known to voters.
The results of the election will have implications for the balance of power in the U.S. Senate. If Hawley wins, he will help Republicans maintain their slim majority in the chamber. If Kunce wins, he will give Democrats a boost in their efforts to regain control of the Senate.
