27 Republicans who won’t back Trump as nominee

A growing number of Republicans are vowing not to support Donald TrumpDonald John TrumpFormer Watergate prosecutor: Trump taking the fifth would be political suicide Comey: I’m ‘embarrassed and ashamed’ by Republican party Comey, Anderson Cooper clash over whether memo release violated FBI rules MORE for president even if he wins the party’s nomination.

Trump racked up a number of wins on Super Tuesday, bringing him closer to being the GOP standard-bearer.

He’s also picked up a number of crucial endorsements in recent days, including from Gov. Chris Christie (N.J.), who backed Trump after ending his own presidential bid, and from five lawmakers, including Sen. Jeff SessionsJefferson (Jeff) Beauregard SessionsSessions defends Trump’s power to pardon without consulting Justice Dept GOP senator: 'We were there' on immigration before talks got derailed Sessions defends census citizenship question as 'common sense' MORE (Ala.).

But some Republicans say they cannot support the real estate mogul under any circumstances.

Sen. Ben Sasse (Neb.) became the first lawmaker in the upper chamber to vow not to vote for Trump, saying he would instead search for a third-party contender.

In an open letter to Trump supporters posted on his Facebook page, Sasse claimed that while many who are backing the front-runner are “well-meaning,” he cannot get behind a candidate focused on “tearing down rather than building back up this glorious nation.”

Across the Capitol, Reps. Reid RibbleReid James RibbleWith Trump, conservatives hope for ally in 'War on Christmas' GOP rushes to embrace Trump House stays Republican as GOP limits losses MORE (Wis.), Mark Sanford (S.C.), Carlos Curbelo (Fla.) and Scott RigellEdward (Scott) Scott RigellGOP rushes to embrace Trump GOP lawmaker appears in Gary Johnson ad Some in GOP say Trump has gone too far MORE (Va.) are also refusing to back Trump.

And the opposition isn’t just on Capitol Hill.

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker told reporters after Super Tuesday that he won’t vote for Trump.

A number of prominent pundits are also vowing to not back Trump, including Fox News contributor Erick Erickson.

This story was last updated on March 9 at 3:16 p.m.

 

Republicans who won't back Trump

Rep. Justin AmashJustin AmashWe need more congressional oversight on matters of war Some doubt McCarthy or Scalise will ever lead House GOP McCarthy faces obstacles in Speaker bid MORE (Mich.)

Gov. Charlie Baker (Mass.)

Glenn Beck, conservative host

Jay Caruso, RedState

Eliot Cohen, former George W. Bush official

Rep. Carlos Curbelo (Fla.)

Steve Deace, conservative radio host

Rep. Bob Dold (Ill.) 

Erick Erickson, conservative writer

Rep. Richard Hanna (N.Y.)

Doug Heye, former RNC communications director

Former Rep. Bob Inglis (S.C.)

Matt Kibbe, former Freedom Works CEO

Bill Kristol, The Weekly Standard editor

Kevin Madden, former Mitt Romney aide

Former RNC Chairman Mel Martínez (Fla.)

Liz Mair, GOP strategist

Former Gov. George Pataki (N.Y.)

Former Rep. Ron Paul (Texas)

Rep. Reid Ribble (Wis.)

Former Gov. Tom Ridge (Pa.)

Rep. Scott Rigell (Va.)

Rep. Mark Sanford (S.C.)

Sen. Ben Sasse (Neb.)

Former Rep. J.C. Watts (Okla.)

Peter Wehner, conservative New York Times contributor

Former Gov. Christine Todd Whitman (N.J.)

--Read more from The Hill:

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