US presidential election 2016: Donald Trump wins first Congressional endorsements

Donald Trump had no Congressional endorsements until the Nevada caucuses, but following his win in the west American state, the US presidential candidate has won not one but two backings. Representatives Duncan Hunter of California and Chris Collins of New York have voiced their support for Trump as president.

"Donald Trump has clearly demonstrated that he has both the guts and the fortitude to return our nation's jobs stolen by China, take on our enemies like ISIS, Iran, North Korea and Russia, and most importantly, re-establish the opportunity for our children and grandchildren to attain the American Dream," Collins said in a statement, according to Buffalo News. "That is why I am proud to endorse him as the next president of the United States."

Collins had previously endorsed former Florida governor Jeb Bush, but switched to Trump after Bush announced his resignation from the presidential race post his loss in South Carolina. Similarly, Politico reported Hunter as saying, "We don't need a policy wonk as president. We need a leader as president."

He even hinted that more members of Congress were keen to support Trump's bid and would soon make themselves known. "I think you have more Trump supporters in Congress. They just have to come out of the closet, so to speak."

Up until now, the real estate mogul had indicated that he did not care if he got Congressional endorsements or not. His two backings are much lower in comparison to Florida Senator Marco Rubio, who has been endorsed by 13 US senators, 44 representatives and three governors; and Texas Senator Ted Cruz who has the support of one governor and 24 representatives.

With three straight wins under his belt, Trump has become a plausible threat and chances of another GOP candidate emerging as a winner in this race are dwindling.