Retiring Republicans Refuse to Back Trump-Endorsed Candidates in Key Races
Several outgoing GOP senators and representatives are declining to support Trump-backed nominees, leaving those campaigns to fend for themselves in the 2026 midterms.
Outgoing Republicans across the Senate and House are increasingly distancing themselves from candidates backed by Donald Trump. Sen. John Cornyn has raised money for various GOP Senate hopefuls but refuses to aid Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who defeated him in a primary with Trump’s support. In North Carolina, Sen. Thom Tillis has not assisted Michael Whatley, the Trump-chosen Senate contender, and Rep. Mark Amodei openly rejected voting for Nevada’s GOP nominee David Flippo.
While some party members, like Sen. Kevin Cramer, praise the dissenters’ past contributions, others accuse them of undermining the party’s chances. The intra-party clash is playing out in several battleground races, highlighting a struggle between loyalty to Trump and a return to traditional Republican priorities ahead of the November 3 elections.
Why it matters
The lack of support from seasoned GOP officials could weaken Trump-aligned candidates and reshape the party’s direction in upcoming elections.
How this story developed
- Sep 24 Collins holds narrow lead over Jackson in latest Maine Senate poll
- Oct 12 Specific contribution amounts to individual super PACs were disclosed.
- Oct 13 Texas polls show Democrat James Talarico ahead of Ken Paxton.
- Oct 14 Former President Barack Obama released a video endorsement for Troy Jackson.
- Oct 15 The administration is expected to cut 50% tariffs on certain Canadian agricultural and forestry products, a move seen as aid for Maine Senator Susan Collins’s re-election bid.
- Oct 16 Total spending on Republican‑aligned committees and organizations is reported at $366 million.
- Oct 16 Donald Trump will travel to Georgia on Friday to campaign alongside Republican Senate and governor candidates, underscoring both party unity and internal divisions.
- Oct 20 The candidates faced their final televised debate, during which a protester was removed after interrupting the event.
- Oct 21 Donald Trump will appear in South Carolina on Wednesday to campaign for Republican Sen. Darline Graham, who is facing Democratic nominee Annie Andrews in a close contest.
- Oct 22 The candidates faced off in the only televised forum to date.
- Oct 22 Evander Holyfield will accompany Trump at the South Carolina rally supporting Darline Graham.
- Oct 23 Musk injected $77 million into America PAC in early October, raising his total contributions for the cycle.
- Oct 24 The White House clarified that the eliminated duties will be offset by new tariffs on valves, carpets and waste products.
- Oct 26 Trump’s Friday rally in Dalton was set for 3 p.m. EDT.
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