After initially endorsing Jeb Bush in the 2016 presidential election and donating money to a Bush-aligned SuperPAC , Collins endorsed Donald Trump for President when Bush dropped out of the race . Collins endorsed Trump on February 24 , 2016 , becoming the first sitting member of Congress to endorse him . He cited shared pasts in business and a need for businessmen in the White House as having influenced his decision . On July 18 , Collins seconded Trump 's nomination at the 2016 Republican National Convention . According to '' The New York Times '' , Collins is " one of Donald Trump ’s earliest and most ardent supporters " . Following the 2016 election , Collins served on Trump 's presidential transition team
2016 Republican National Convention
2016 Republican National Convention
Chris Collins (American politician)