Trump-backed candidates face key tests in primaries across six states

Republican primaries across six states on Tuesday are shaping up as critical tests for former President Donald Trump’s influence within the GOP, with his endorsement playing a pivotal role in several high-profile races. The most closely watched contest is in Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District, where incumbent Rep. Thomas Massie faces a challenge from Trump-backed Ed Gallrein. This race has become the most expensive House primary in U.S. history, with nearly $33 million spent on ads, including significant funding from pro-Israel groups opposing Massie.

Massie, a tea party Republican known for his skepticism of government spending and foreign interventions, has clashed repeatedly with Trump, opposing key initiatives such as the Iran war and Trump’s signature tax and spending package. Massie told CBS News that Trump is “literally losing sleep over this race,” and predicted a tight contest, saying, “I think what would have been a 60-40 race is now a 50-50 race.” He defended his record, stating he votes with Trump “90% of the time,” but noted the president and his allies demand “100% compliance.”

Trump has aggressively campaigned for Gallrein, labeling Massie “the worst congressman in the long and storied history of the Republican Party” and calling him an “obstructionist and a fool.” Pete Hegseth, who campaigned with Gallrein in his personal capacity, criticized Massie’s opposition to party priorities, saying, “At some point, being against everything becomes an excuse for accomplishing nothing.”

Beyond Kentucky, Trump’s endorsements are influencing several other key primaries. In Georgia, the open gubernatorial race to replace term-limited Gov. Brian Kemp features Trump-backed Lt. Gov. Burt Jones competing against billionaire health executive Rick Jackson, who has spent over $83 million on television ads, and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, who clashed with Trump over the 2020 election. The crowded field makes a runoff likely if no candidate wins a majority.

The Georgia Senate GOP primary to challenge Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff is also notable. Reps. Mike Collins and Buddy Carter, both Trump allies, face former college football coach Derek Dooley, who has Governor Kemp’s endorsement and advocates for congressional reforms. Trump has not yet endorsed in this race, which could head to a runoff.

In Pennsylvania, Democrats are targeting several competitive House districts. The 7th District, centered in the Lehigh Valley, features a crowded Democratic primary with Bob Brooks, a firefighter union leader backed by Gov. Josh Shapiro and Sen. Bernie Sanders, as the frontrunner. Other districts, including the 1st and 10th, also have contested Democratic primaries aiming to challenge Republican incumbents.

Alabama’s primaries include races for four House seats, with some delayed until August due to recent Supreme Court decisions affecting the state’s congressional map. GOP Sen. Tommy Tuberville is running for governor with Trump’s endorsement, while Rep. Barry Moore seeks the Senate nomination to replace Tuberville.

Idaho holds primaries for governor and congressional seats, with incumbents GOP Sen. Jim Risch and Gov. Brad Little, the latter endorsed by Trump, seeking reelection.

These primaries are not only about individual races but also reflect broader battles over party loyalty and direction. Trump’s efforts to unseat Republicans who have opposed him have seen mixed results, with victories in Indiana and Louisiana but a challenging fight in Kentucky. The outcomes will influence the GOP’s cohesion and strategy heading into the 2024 midterm elections and beyond.