Trump makes late-night endorsements in six states ahead of Tuesday primaries, including California
President Donald Trump waded into a wide slate of primary contests this week, issuing endorsements for candidates running in gubernatorial, congressional and U.S. Senate races across six states ahead of Tuesday's elections.
The endorsements span California, Iowa, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico and South Dakota, reflecting the breadth of the president's political reach even in states where Republicans face steep odds.
In Iowa, Trump threw his weight behind U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra, who is running for governor. In a post on Truth Social, the president laid out an extensive policy wishlist for Feenstra, saying he would "fight tirelessly to Grow the Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Unleash American Energy DOMINANCE, Champion our Amazing Farmers and Ranchers, Empower Ethanol, Keep our Border SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, Ensure LAW AND ORDER, Strengthen our incredible Military, Veterans, and Law Enforcement, Advance Election Integrity, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment."
In California, where Democrats hold virtually every lever of statewide power, Trump endorsed former Fox News contributor Steve Hilton in the governor's race. California's top-two primary system means all candidates appear on the same ballot, with the two highest vote-getters advancing to the general election regardless of party affiliation.
"He is a truly fine man, one who has watched as this once great State has gone to Hell," Trump said of Hilton, taking aim at Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom in the process. "Gavin Newscum and the Democrats have done an absolutely horrendous job. Crime is increasing, and Taxes are the highest of any State in the Country, maybe the World. Steve can turn it around, before it is too late, and, as President, I will help him to do so!"
Trump also lent his name to several down-ballot California Republicans, including GOP Assemblyman James Gallagher and San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond, both running for Congress. Reps. Tom McClintock, Jay Obernolte and Vince Fong, as well as former Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln, who is running in the newly redrawn 13th Congressional District, also received endorsements.
In New Jersey, Trump backed Reps. Tom Kean Jr., Jeff Van Drew and Chris Smith, all Republicans seeking another term in the House.
Iowa's Rep. Ashley Hinson picked up a Trump endorsement in her bid for the U.S. Senate, with the president signaling he wants to hold a seat his party considers key. Montana saw a pair of endorsements, with Trump backing Rep. Troy Downing and Aaron Flint, while in New Mexico the nod went to Greg Cunningham, a former police officer. In South Dakota, Trump endorsed Attorney General Marty Jackley, having previously backed Sen. Mike Rounds for reelection.
Trump also weighed in on a race outside the Tuesday primary states, endorsing Florida Rep. Brian Mast.
The latest round of endorsements follows a string of primary victories earlier this year that Trump highlighted in May, when several candidates he had backed won their respective contests. The president's involvement in down-ballot races has been closely watched as a measure of his continued grip on the Republican Party heading into the next election cycle.
Voters in the six states head to the polls Tuesday, with the endorsed candidates awaiting their decisions.
