Trump's Endorsements Show Mixed Results in Republican Primaries

<p>President Donald Trump emphasized his strong influence in Republican primary elections on social media, stating, "My Endorsements are stronger than ever....There has never been anything close!" </p><p>According to a Fox News Trump Primary Endorsement Tracker, Trump has a perfect record in Senate primaries this cycle, with all 24 of his endorsed candidates winning their contests.</p><p>In House races, Trump endorsed 218 candidates, with 214 winning their primaries. In gubernatorial races, Trump-backed candidates have faced some defeats, with 16 of the 21 candidates he endorsed winning their nominations.</p><p>This week, Trump-endorsed Sen. Darline Graham of South Carolina won the GOP Senate nomination in a runoff against Rep. Ralph Norman. Graham will compete against the Democratic nominee in November for the remaining months of her late brother's Senate term.</p><p>In Oklahoma, former state budget secretary Mike Mazzei won the GOP gubernatorial nomination by 2,000 votes over Gentner Drummond, the state attorney general.</p><p>Trump stated on social media, "I supported and ENDORSED two so-called 'underdogs' yesterday, one from South Carolina, and the other from Oklahoma, and they BOTH WON," following the primaries.</p><p>Trump actively campaigned for Graham, holding a rally in Myrtle Beach and pledging federal funding for a proposed interstate highway in South Carolina. His super PAC, MAGA Inc, contributed nearly $900,000 to support Graham's campaign.</p><p>However, Trump's endorsement has not guaranteed success in South Carolina. He endorsed Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette for the GOP gubernatorial nomination, but she lost the runoff election against Attorney General Alan Wilson. Trump also endorsed Wilson shortly before the runoff.</p><p>Trump has significantly influenced the GOP since his first presidential victory, with the MAGA and America First factions gaining prominence. Despite some setbacks, he maintains a strong grip on party politics.</p><p>This year, five of Trump's gubernatorial picks have lost in Republican primaries, including Evette, Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, and Rep. Randy Feenstra of Iowa. Additionally, two House incumbents endorsed by Trump, Reps. Andy Ogles of Tennessee and Cory Mills of Florida, lost their renomination bids this month.</p><p>Ryan Williams, a veteran GOP strategist, noted that while Trump's endorsements provide a significant boost in Republican primaries, they do not guarantee victory. He emphasized that underlying issues with a candidacy can affect outcomes, even with an endorsement.</p>