Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker throws his weight behind Missouri’s Josh Hawley for Senate
Sen. Josh Hawley is bringing the kicker in for his reelection campaign.
The Missouri Republican is appearing with Harrison Butker, the Kansas City Chiefs’ kicker, at three stops throughout the state on Thursday, including one in Parkville. Hawley has also sent two fundraising emails touting an endorsement from the Super Bowl winning kicker.
In the fundraising emails, Butker writes that he endorsed Hawley in large part because of the senator’s opposition to abortion rights, saying Hawley “stands strong for many of the values that matter most to me and my family.”
“He’s not just a Senator; he’s a devout Christian, a family man, and a fighter for so much we hold dear,” the message says. “Josh Hawley is relentless in defending religious rights, fighting for the Constitution, and standing up for the most vulnerable among us—the unborn.”
Butker’s endorsement comes as the Chiefs’ kicker has become increasingly associated with his politics.
Butker was briefly thrust into the national political discourse last year after he made a commencement speech at Benedictine College where he criticized President Joe Biden, questioned the president’s faith, condemned LGBTQ pride and implied that women would be happier if they focus on being wives and mothers.
“Some of you may go on to lead successful careers in the world,” Butker said, addressing the women graduates. “But I would venture to guess that the majority of you are most excited about your marriage and the children you will bring into this world.
Hawley was quick to defend Butker as his speech attracted criticism. He immediately offered support on social media after the backlash, saying he was proud to call Butker a friend.
“Butker is saying ‘hey men, take some responsibility. Go get a job, provide for your family, if you have a child, don’t abandon them, provide for them.” Hawley said on KCMO Talk Radio shortly after Butker’s speech. “And the fact that the left is criticizing him shows they are so out of touch, Pete, they are such wackos.”
Even before his commencement speech, Butker, a conservative Catholic, had made some of his political views clear. During the Chiefs’ first visit to the White House after winning the Super Bowl, Butker wore a pin and tie that were representative of the anti-abortion movement.
He has also made appearances with Hawley before. The two shared a stage in April to talk about their faith at the Stronger Men conference in Springfield.
Hawley has talked about his friendship with Butker for years, though he’s declined to say how the two became friendly. The kicker’s uniform is framed in Hawley’s Senate office, along with Travis Kelce’s. Hawley has praised Butker after Chiefs’ wins and has included him in resolutions celebrating the team’s Super Bowl victories.
“This is awesome,” Hawley said in a social media post about Butker’s endorsement. “Proud to have the support of @buttkicker7.”
Chiefs politics
The Chiefs have struggled to push away politics amid a contentious presidential election in a polarized country.
Aside from Butker’s comments, both Kelce and quarterback Patrick Mahomes have been asked to weigh in on their presidential election, as their respective partners were brought up by former President Donald Trump.
Taylor Swift, the global pop star who’s been dating Kelce for more than a year, publicly endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris after she debated with Trump. Shortly after, Trump posted on social media that he hated Taylor Swift and said he liked Brittany Mahomes better. Brittany Mahomes had previously complimented Trump.
Patrick Mahomes has repeatedly declined to endorse a candidate in the lead-up to the election but has encouraged people to register to vote. Kelce has also remained quiet about the presidential election.
The appearances with Hawley come as the undefeated Chiefs are entering their bye week. They’ll play the 49ers in a Super Bowl rematch on Oct. 20.
This story was originally published October 9, 2024 at 11:35 AM.
