Donald Trump's influence in Republican primaries saw mixed results, with some endorsed candidates securing nominations while others faced defeats. The outcomes offer a complex picture of the former president's sway within the party as the general election approaches.
In Michigan, John James secured the Republican nomination for governor, a victory that came after Trump's endorsement and a joint appearance last week. This win occurred despite James being significantly outspent by his opponent. The race for governor in Kansas also saw Republicans choose the candidate favored by Trump from a competitive field.
Meanwhile, in Washington state, the race to succeed retiring Republican Congressman Dan Newhouse concluded with Amanda McKinney, another Trump-endorsed candidate, finishing in first place. Newhouse, who voted to impeach Trump following the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol, represented a more traditional wing of the Republican party. McKinney's likely victory in November is expected to further shift the House Republican caucus to the right, signaling a diminishing presence for establishment Republicans.
However, Trump's streak of endorsements did not hold across all races. In Michigan, Thomas Smith defeated Amir Hassan, who had also received Trump's endorsement and appeared with the former president. Smith's victory was notable as he had withdrawn from the race the previous month but remained on the ballot.
Elsewhere, Abdul El-Sayed's primary victory is set to create a significant contest in a swing state. His win tests the appeal of a left-wing candidate in a state where the general election is expected to be highly competitive.