Trump Endorses Six States Before Tuesday Primaries Including CA
President Donald Trump issued endorsements across six states holding Tuesday primaries, backing Republican candidates for governor, Congress, and Senate as the party seeks nationwide gains.
According to New York Post, the endorsements span California, Iowa, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, and South Dakota, with Trump backing both incumbent lawmakers and first-time candidates in what has become his signature style of kingmaking within the Republican Party.
Among the high-profile endorsements, Randy Feenstra, the U.S. Representative from Iowa, received Trump’s backing for his gubernatorial bid. The President praised Feenstra’s commitment to economic growth, tax cuts, border security, and protecting Second Amendment rights in a statement released on Truth Social.
California in the Crosshairs
In California, a state where Republicans have faced overwhelming Democratic dominance, Trump endorsed Steve Hilton for governor as Republicans attempt to make inroads in the nation’s most populous state. Trump delivered pointed criticism of current Governor Gavin Newsom, whom he frequently targets, saying the state has deteriorated under Democratic leadership.
California operates under a top-two primary system where candidates from all parties compete on a single ballot, with the two highest vote-getters advancing regardless of party affiliation.
Trump’s California congressional endorsements include GOP Assemblyman James Gallagher, San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond, incumbent Representatives Tom McClintock, Jay Obernolte, and Vince Fong, along with Kevin Lincoln, a former Stockton mayor now seeking a seat in the redrawn 13th Congressional District.
Nationwide Push for Republican Gains
The President also backed Florida Representative Brian Mast and three New Jersey Republicans: Representatives Tom Kean Jr., Jeff Van Drew, and Chris Smith. In Montana, Trump endorsed Representative Troy Downing and Aaron Flint, who is running for Congress.
Iowa Representative Ashley Hinson received Trump’s support for her Senate campaign, while South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley and Greg Cunningham, a former police officer from New Mexico, also secured presidential endorsements. Trump had previously endorsed Senator Mike Rounds of South Dakota.
Last month, Trump celebrated victories by multiple candidates he had endorsed in earlier GOP primary and runoff elections, underscoring his continued influence over Republican primaries nationwide.
With information from New York Post
