Trump endorsements in 2026 look much different than 2018 : NPR
NPR Topics: Politics — 2026-06-23 04:00:00 — www.npr.org
Trump’s Endorsement Strategy: Early Support, Repeated Rhetoric, and Mixed Results
A Truth Social post from President Trump offering his “Complete and Total Endorsement” has become one of the most influential forces in Republican primaries. Since 2017, Trump has issued more than 1,000 endorsements in House, Senate, and governor’s races, according to an NPR analysis. This analysis reveals a significant shift in Trump’s approach to endorsements, with earlier announcements and a growing focus on incumbents in safe seats.
Earlier and More Predictable Endorsements
Trump’s endorsement timing has changed dramatically. In the 2018 midterms, his average endorsement in a primary came about seven weeks before the election. In the current cycle, that average is closer to seven months, meaning Trump is now weighing in more than a year before the general election. Nearly 75% of his endorsements this cycle have gone to incumbents, compared to about two-thirds since 2017.
Repetitive Language and Uncontested Races
Many of Trump’s endorsements use nearly identical language, regardless of the candidate or race. For example, in a November 2025 post about Arkansas Rep. Rick Crawford, who ran unopposed in his primary, Trump wrote: “In Congress, Rick is working hard to Champion our Amazing Farmers and Ranchers, Grow our Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Advance American Energy DOMINANCE, Keep our now very Secure Border, SECURE, Support our Military/Veterans, and Protect our always under siege Second Amendment. Rick Crawford has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Re-Election — HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!”
Similarly, in March, Trump endorsed Rep. Kevin Hern for Oklahoma’s U.S. Senate seat, promising Hern would “continue to fight tirelessly to Grow our Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Champion our Amazing Farmers and Ranchers, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Ensure American Energy DOMINANCE, Keep our Border SECURE, Strengthen our Military/Veterans, Safeguard our Elections, and Protect our always under siege Second Amendment.”
Mixed Track Record and Shifting Allegiances
Trump often quickly endorses nominees even in races where he did not participate in the primary. After Derek Merrin won the primary to challenge Ohio Rep. Marcy Kaptur, Trump declared Merrin “will fight hard to Grow our Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Keep our Border SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, Strengthen our Brave Military/Veterans, Ensure PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment. Derek Merrin has my Complete and Total Endorsement to be the next Representative from Ohio’s 9th Congressional District – HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!”
However, Trump’s loyalty is not guaranteed. If previously endorsed Republicans disappoint him, he has endorsed challengers to unseat them. This year, his preferred candidates ousted Texas Sen. John Cornyn, Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy, and Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie.
Despite his influence, Trump’s endorsements do not always guarantee victory. In recent weeks, his picks lost in Iowa and Georgia, and his choices in South Carolina and Oklahoma face difficult runoff elections. Notably, after endorsing South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pam Evette, Trump also endorsed her opponent, Attorney General Alan Wilson, just days before the election.
Conclusion
Trump’s endorsement strategy has evolved to favor early, formulaic support for safe incumbents, but his record is mixed when it comes to competitive races. While his “Complete and Total Endorsement” remains a powerful tool in Republican politics, it is not always decisive—and often follows a predictable script, regardless of the candidate or context.
Source: https://www.npr.org/2026/06/23/nx-s1-5863542/trump-endorsements-primary-runoff-general