Trump's loyalty-driven endorsements stumble in several GOP primaries
Donald Trump noted that his recent primary endorsements failed mainly because he prioritized loyalty over electability, and several of his chosen candidates have lost their races.
President Donald Trump explained that a handful of his recent primary endorsements fell short because he chose candidates based on loyalty rather than viability. He cited the Minnesota governor’s race, where pillow-manufacturer Mike Lindell was defeated, and the Florida congressional primary, where former administration official Catalina Lauf also lost. Additional losses involved congressional incumbents Cory Mills and Andy Ogles, as well as gubernatorial hopefuls in Wyoming, South Carolina, Georgia and Iowa.
Trump’s sister, Darline Graham Nordone, is now testing his influence in a South Carolina Senate runoff after finishing first in the initial round. While a small number of his picks have faltered, Trump claims a 96-97 percent success rate in Republican primaries this year, noting that many endorsements simply reinforce likely winners or align with the party base.
Why it matters
The piece shows how Trump's loyalty-focused endorsement strategy can affect GOP primary outcomes and party dynamics.
How this story developed
- Aug 17 Ohio lawmaker calls South Carolina Senate candidate an ally of the swamp
- Aug 19 Graham’s debate comments have become a focal point in the runoff campaign.
- Aug 19 Ralph Norman secured the Republican Senate nomination, ending Darline Graham’s campaign.
- Aug 20 Graham told “Hannity” that many voters cannot locate Taiwan on a map.
- Aug 24 Make America Great Again Inc. has committed almost $828,000 to support Darline Graham Nordone in the South Carolina Senate GOP primary runoff against Ralph Norman.
- Aug 25 Voters cast ballots in the runoff on Tuesday.
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