Trump endorsements face mixed results as money and local dynamics sway Republican primaries
Republican primary outcomes on Tuesday showed that President Trump's backing can be overcome, notably in Georgia where a billionaire spent over $100 million, while his endorsed candidates won in Alabama and advanced in Oklahoma.
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President Donald Trump's endorsement remained a powerful factor in Republican primaries, but it was not decisive in every contest on Tuesday. In Georgia, billionaire health-care executive Rick Jackson spent more than $100 million—mostly his own money—to defeat Trump-backed Lt. Gov. Burt Jones in the runoff for governor. Jackson, who placed second in the May primary, will face Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms in the November general election.
"I am proud to support Burt Jones for his courage and wisdom," Trump posted on social media, reaffirming his endorsement.
In Oklahoma, Trump entered the governor's race late, supporting former state Sen. Mike Mazzei. Mazzei secured a spot in a runoff, finishing nearly even with Attorney General Gentner Drummond. Earlier this month, Trump's preferred candidate for Iowa governor, Rep. Randy Feenstra, lost to Zach Lahn.
Trump’s endorsement proved effective in Alabama, where he backed Rep. Barry Moore for the U.S. Senate. Moore defeated former Navy SEAL Jared Hudson, who campaigned as an outsider. The Senate seat is open as Sen. Tommy Tuberville runs for governor.
Other races highlighted intra-party divides. In the District of Columbia, mayoral candidates Janeese Lewis George, a self-identified democratic socialist, and her opponents competed under a new ranked-choice voting system, delaying final results. Lewis George criticized Trump’s comments suggesting he might intervene in the city’s leadership.
Georgia Republicans chose State Rep. Tim Fleming for secretary of state, edging out Vernon Jones, who had promoted claims of 2020 election irregularities. Fleming acknowledged past irregularities but said his campaign would not focus on conspiracy theories.
In California, a special primary to fill Rep. Eric Swalwell’s vacated House seat advanced progressive state Sen. Aisha Wahab and BART director Melissa Hernandez to the August general election.
The varied outcomes illustrate that while Trump’s backing can still carry weight, substantial campaign financing and local political contexts can offset his influence.
