David Barton Prayerfully Declines Senate Bid

Responding to calls to run for the U.S. Senate in 2014, historian David Barton has graciously declined—and asks his supporters to fund constitutionally conservative candidates instead.

“I am deeply honored and humbled by the heartfelt efforts of thousands of people encouraging me to run for the U.S. Senate in 2014,” Barton says. “Citizens in Texas and across America know that our nation’s fiscal, moral and constitutional deficits must be reversed.”

Barton went on to say he agrees with the millions who say we need more constitutionally conservative leaders serving in Congress. From his perspective, the detailed polling data as well as the outpouring of immediate support from across the state indicate this is a race that could be won.

But as important as one seat in the U.S. Senate is, he says, we also have generations of citizens who need to know our constitutional principles and rich heritage. Barton says such education will result in the election of many more constitutionally minded, common-sense patriots in coming years.

“As I travel the nation speaking about the founding principles of America, I have noticed a definite growth in the depth of interest regarding our moral and constitutional foundations,” he says. “People are not only becoming more active in the political process but are becoming more principled and informed about how to restore our constitutional republic.

“The solution to our current American crisis will come from the basic actions of our citizens studying the Constitution, voting and campaigning for good candidates, and helping reduce the size of government by personally helping those around us who are in need.”

Barton assures his supporters that he prayed and seriously weighed the call to primary against Texas Sen. John Cornyn. But he believes his role right now is to continue educating, equipping and inspiring citizens through his work at WallBuilders.

“I thank all of you who encouraged me to enter this race,” he says. “I ask you to take the time, energy and money you so generously offered on my behalf and invest it in electing other constitutional conservatives at every level of government. Our involvement is needed now more than ever before. 

“Our goal hasn’t changed. We each have a role to play to build a winning coalition of citizens who share a commitment to put the country on a sustainable and constitutionally sound trajectory. At this specific time, my role will not be as a candidate, but I will continue to work side by side with you in the trenches to educate the nation while also recruiting, training and electing a new generation of conservative leaders.”