Tamara Keith and Amy Walter on the energy behind outsider candidates
PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-08-10 17:30:00 — www.pbs.org
Trump’s Endorsements Highlight His Continued Influence and Loyalty-Driven Politics in GOP Primaries
As voters in six states prepare to head to the polls, President Trump’s endorsements are once again shaping the Republican primary landscape, underscoring his ongoing influence within the party and his focus on personal loyalty over candidate electability.
Trump’s Endorsements and Party Division
In Minnesota, President Trump is backing Mike Lindell for governor. Lindell, a prominent figure in efforts to overturn the 2020 election, has become a divisive candidate among Republicans in the state. Trump’s support for Lindell is seen as a test of his ability to continue shaping the GOP, with observers noting that Trump’s endorsements often prioritize loyalty to him over broader party concerns about electability. This approach has led to divided primaries and, in some cases, weakened Republican prospects in competitive states.
Similarly, in South Carolina, Trump quickly endorsed Darline Graham, the sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, for Senate. Despite his endorsement, the field has not cleared, and negative campaign ads have already emerged. Trump’s history in South Carolina includes endorsing both candidates in a previous gubernatorial run-off, declaring, “I endorse them both. Whoever wins will be a great Republican.” This pattern demonstrates that Trump’s endorsements are sometimes more about maintaining influence than ensuring a unified party front.
Impact on Down-Ballot Races
The Trump effect is also evident in congressional races. In Ohio, Max Miller remains in his race despite calls to step aside, and in Florida, Cory Mills faces investigations but continues his campaign. Both candidates appear to be following what was described as the “Donald Trump playbook of deny and change the subject and win a race.” However, analysts suggest that this strategy is much harder to execute successfully for candidates who are not Trump himself, and it has led to once-safe Republican seats becoming toss-ups.
Loyalty Over Electability
The excerpt makes clear that Trump’s endorsements are often driven by personal loyalty rather than strategic calculations about a candidate’s chances in the general election. This has led to messy primaries and, at times, a lack of party unity, as seen in both Minnesota and South Carolina. The focus on loyalty has also contributed to a perception that Trump is “wrapped in Teflon,” able to withstand controversies that would sink other politicians.
Conclusion
President Trump’s continued involvement in Republican primaries highlights his enduring influence and the central role that personal loyalty plays in his political calculus. While this approach energizes certain segments of the GOP base, it also risks dividing the party and complicating efforts to win competitive races. As the primaries unfold, the effectiveness of Trump’s strategy—and its impact on the broader Republican Party—will be closely watched.