Trump’s Influence on 2023 Primaries: Successes and Setbacks

Trump’s Endorsement Record Takes a Hit

Former President Donald Trump experienced three significant losses in governor races this year. In Minnesota, Trump-backed candidate Mike Lindell lost in the gubernatorial primary, marking a blow to Trump’s endorsement streak. Other defeats include Rep. Randy Feenstra in Iowa and Lt. Gov. Burt Jones in Georgia.

Additionally, Trump narrowly avoided a clear loss in South Carolina by endorsing both Alan Wilson and Lt. Gov. Pam Evette, with Wilson eventually winning the primary. Sen. Darline Graham and Rep. Andy Ogles also faced challenges in their respective races.

Nevertheless, Trump’s endorsement remains influential in Republican primaries, with over 200 of his preferred candidates winning this year. Trump’s strategy included endorsing many Republicans who were not in competitive primaries.

Key Primary Outcomes

State House Speaker Lisa Demuth secured victory in the Republican primary for Minnesota governor, defeating Trump-backed Mike Lindell. She will compete against Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar in the general election.

The Democratic Senate primary in Minnesota saw Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan defeating Rep. Angie Craig, bolstering the progressive wing of her party. Meanwhile, economist Amanda Janoo won the Democratic primary for Vermont governor and will challenge Republican Gov. Phil Scott.

Close Contests in Wisconsin

The Democratic primary for Wisconsin’s governor remains too close to call. Francesca Hong and David Crowley are neck and neck, with Hong holding a slight lead with 83% of the vote counted. Crowley, who had once withdrawn from the race, mounted a competitive comeback.

Additional factors are impacting the Wisconsin races. Candidates other than the primary frontrunners Hong and Crowley collectively grabbed about 19% of votes. This includes state Sen. Kelda Roys and earlier candidates who suspended their campaigns.

Battles Across Other States

Rebecca Cooke emerged victorious in Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District Democratic primary and will face GOP Rep. Derrick Van Orden in November. In Connecticut’s 1st Congressional District, former Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin defeated incumbent Rep. John Larson.

Alabama’s 1st Congressional District saw Jerry Carl secure the Republican primary, and Rhett Marques won in Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District. The Republican primary in Wisconsin’s 7th Congressional District was won by Michael Alfonso, supported by Trump.