Trump endorsement delivers mixed results in Republican primaries
Trump's congratulatory post for Orden on Truth Social, August 12. (Photo: @realDonaldTrump) Trump's post on Truth Social endorsing Lindell on August 11. (Photo: @realDonaldTrump) Trump's
Trump's congratulatory post for Orden on Truth Social, August 12. (Photo: @realDonaldTrump) Trump's post on Truth Social endorsing Lindell on August 11. (Photo: @realDonaldTrump) Trump's congratulatory post for Tiffany on Truth Social, August 12. (Photo: @realDonaldTrump) Trump's congratulatory post for Alfonso on Truth Social, August 12. (Photo: @realDonaldTrump) Trump's congratulatory post for Orden on Truth Social, August 12. (Photo: @realDonaldTrump) Trump's post on Truth Social endorsing Lindell on August 11. (Photo: @realDonaldTrump) Trump's congratulatory post for Tiffany on Truth Social, August 12. (Photo: @realDonaldTrump) Trump's congratulatory post for Alfonso on Truth Social, August 12. (Photo: @realDonaldTrump) Trump's congratulatory post for Orden on Truth Social, August 12. (Photo: @realDonaldTrump) 1 2 3 4 Demuth defeats Trump-backed Lindell in Minnesota Trump's post on Truth Social endorsing Lindell on August 11. (Photo: @realDonaldTrump) Trump-backed Darline Graham heads to runoff Trump's congratulatory post on Graham's win on Truth Social, August 12. (Photo: @realDonaldTrump) Trump-backed candidates score wins in Wisconsin Trump's congratulatory post for Tiffany on Truth Social, August 12. (Photo: @realDonaldTrump) Trump's congratulatory post for Alfonso on Truth Social, August 12. (Photo: @realDonaldTrump) Trump's congratulatory post for Orden on Truth Social, August 12. (Photo: @realDonaldTrump) Scott advances in Vermont Lamont, Fazio set for Connecticut governor race President Donald Trump's endorsements produced mixed results in Tuesday's Republican primaries, with his preferred candidates losing one key race, advancing to a runoff in another and securing nominations in Wisconsin.The contrasting outcomes in Minnesota, South Carolina and Wisconsin offered a fresh test of Trump's influence within the Republican Party, showing that his backing can be decisive but does not always overcome established local candidates, party support and campaign organisation.NBC News projected Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth as the winner of the Republican gubernatorial primary, putting Trump-backed candidate Mike Lindell behind less than a month after Trump formally endorsed the MyPillow founder.Trump endorsed Lindell on July 15, calling him one of America's “greatest and most hard working Patriots” and giving him his “Complete and Total Endorsement”.
He later urged Minnesota voters to “Vote for Mike Lindell for Governor” and returned to the race on primary day, saying Lindell “deserves a BIG WIN.”Lindell competed against two Republicans with established support within the state party. Kendall Qualls secured the Minnesota Republican Party endorsement after 10 rounds of voting at its May convention, while Demuth, the state House speaker, won backing from several Republican elected officials.Demuth had initially pledged to honour the convention endorsement but remained in the race after problems with the voting system disrupted the convention. Republican state chairman Alex Plechash later released candidates from their commitment to follow the convention result.Lindell's electability had also become an issue during the campaign. News agency Associated P reported that Plechash had questioned his prospects in a general election, while some Republican voters expressed concern that his controversies could make it harder for the party to win in November.Demuth is expected to face Democratic US Sen Amy Klobuchar, who won her party's gubernatorial primary after defeating six challengers. Klobuchar entered the race after Democratic Gov Tim Walz decided not to seek another term.Minnesota Republicans last won a statewide office in 2006.Republicans also nominated former NFL sideline reporter Michele Tafoya for the US Senate seat being vacated by retiring Democratic Sen Tina Smith. Tafoya defeated a crowded field that included former Navy SEAL Adam Schwarze and Royce White, the party's 2024 Senate nominee.In South Carolina, Trump's endorsement helped Darline Graham finish first in a 10-candidate Republican Senate primary, but she fell short of the majority needed to secure the nomination.With about 80% of the vote counted, Graham had 32.6% against US Rep Ralph Norman's 24%, according to Reuters.
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