Prominent anti-Trump figures stumble in 2026 primaries despite fundraising clout
High-profile opponents of Donald Trump lost key primary contests in 2026, even though some raised substantial campaign funds.
The 2026 election cycle saw several well-known critics of Donald Trump fail to convert their notoriety into electoral victories. In Florida, Alex Vindman, whose testimony sparked the first impeachment, lost the Democratic Senate primary to Angie Nixon, who raised under $1 million compared with Vindman's $16.2 million. New York’s George Conway, a Lincoln Project founder, secured just 6% of the vote in a congressional primary despite leading in spending, while incumbent Dan Goldman was soundly beaten by Brad Lander.
Long-time impeachment advocate Al Green also fell in a Texas runoff against fellow Democrat Christian Menefee. On the Republican side, former Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan, who left the party over Trump, garnered only 7% in the gubernatorial primary, and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger finished third in his own race. These defeats highlight the limited appeal of the “resistance” brand among voters this year.
Why it matters
Voters are rejecting high-profile anti-Trump candidates, signaling a shift in political dynamics.
How this story developed
- Aug 14 Poll Shows Democrat Gray Narrowly Closing Gap with Rep. Luna in Florida Race
- Aug 14 Governor Ron DeSantis said he will not endorse Rep. Cory Mills, who is under a House Ethics Committee probe and faces personal allegations, as the Florida congressional primary approaches.
- Aug 17 During a weekend broadcast, Oliver Larkin, running for the U.S. House in Florida's 25th District, asserted that Israel was carrying out genocide, citing the United Nations and human-rights groups. Host Glenna Milberg countered, stating the claim was factually incorrect under the UN definition. After a brief exchange, Milberg announced the segment was ending, and the interview concluded abruptly. Larkin’s campaign has not responded to inquiries about the cut-short interview.
- Aug 18 New poll shows Casey Askar holding a slim lead among multiple candidates in the 22nd District Republican primary.
- Aug 18 Florida's primary elections feature a historic Black Republican gubernatorial candidate and a crowded Democratic field, while both parties gauge Donald Trump's influence in the state.
- Aug 18 The poll also recorded Terri Hasdorff, Michael Thompson and Richard Evans receiving low single‑digit support.
- Aug 18 The primary has taken place, confirming Donalds’s lead and adding a high‑profile celebrity endorsement.
- Aug 18 Byron Donalds announced his run for governor, triggering a crowded primary for his congressional seat.
- Aug 18 A new poll shows Ryan Elijah leading Cory Mills in the GOP primary.
- Aug 19 Socialist state Rep. Angie Nixon beat Alex Vindman in Florida’s Democratic Senate primary and will face Republican Sen. Ashley Moody in November.
- Aug 19 Nixon's primary victory sets up a general‑election contest against Republican Senator Ashley Moody.
- Aug 19 Trump publicly asked Cory Mills to drop out of the race and gave his full endorsement to Ryan Elijah.
- Aug 19 The Democratic primary between Moskowitz and Larkin has been held.
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