Trump Endorsements Reign Supreme in GOP Primaries, Boosting Brown to Landslide Victory

Former Army Captain Sam Brown, backed by former President Trump, secured a decisive win in the Nevada GOP Senate primary, benefiting from the enduring influence of Trump's endorsement.

Former U.S. Army Captain Sam Brown has emerged victorious in the Nevada GOP Senate primary, etching his name among a string of candidates endorsed by former President Donald Trump who soared to success in Tuesday's primary contests. Brown's resounding win highlights how Trump's influence over the Republican Party remains unparalleled.

"With all things equal, you want the president's endorsement. End of story," asserted Dave Carney, a veteran Republican consultant, to Fox News. "It's not a guaranteed win, but it is really important. It sends a signal to primary voters of your credentials."

Brown, who sustained severe burns in the Afghanistan war, crushed his main rival, Jeff Gunter, a wealthy dermatologist who served as Trump's ambassador to Iceland. Trump's last-minute endorsement proved instrumental in propelling Brown to a landslide win in the key race.

Political strategist Lance Trover emphasized, "I don't know that there's really any question about where Republican voters are and who they're aligned with."

Trump's support also propelled former U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace to another primary victory in South Carolina's 1st Congressional District, where she defeated Catherine Templeton, backed by millions from groups aligned with former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Mace had previously earned Trump's backing after endorsing him earlier this year.

In South Carolina's 4th District, Rep. William Timmons retained his seat with Trump's endorsement, narrowly fending off Adam Morgan. A Republican source involved in House races acknowledged, "There's no doubt that Timmons would have lost without the Trump endorsement."

Trump's influence extended to Maine's 2nd Congressional District, where Austin Theriault, endorsed by Trump, prevailed over Mike Soboleski by over 30 points. In North Dakota, Kelly Armstrong, a three-term House Republican, secured victory in the race to succeed GOP Governor Doug Burgum, who backed his opponent but was considered a potential Trump running mate.

Carney, while neutral in the GOP presidential primaries, noted that Trump has become more selective in his endorsements compared to 2022. Trover highlighted the party's growing unity behind Trump, stating, "I think you're seeing more and more of a unified Republican Party as we inch forward toward the general election."

Despite the Trump endorsements boosting GOP candidates in several races, the party suffered a setback in a special congressional election in Ohio. Republican Michael Rulli won by a narrow margin over Democrat Michael Kripchak, indicating a swing in favor of Democrats in special elections. However, National Republican Congressional Committee communications director Jack Pandol downplayed the outcome, calling it "a special election" with "really low" turnout.