President Trump cemented his position as the kingmaker of the Republican Party last night as Trump-endorsed candidates swept the primaries in Indiana and Ohio.
In all 22 statewide races where Trump endorsed a candidate in the primaries, his preferred candidate won their race.
Perhaps the most hotly contested and high-profile race was the Ohio Senate primary. The primary saw five seasoned and well-funded political candidates vying for the Republican nomination to replace outgoing Republican Senator Rob Portman.
All five candidates courted President Trump for the nomination. With under two weeks to go before the primary on May 3rd, President Trump settled on author and political activist J.D Vance. Vance won the primary decisively by nearly double-digit margins in a crowded field.
CNN'S JOHN KING: On this night there is no doubt, no doubt a victory for Vance is a victory for Trump https://t.co/WLUeavu5YM
— InteractivePolls (@IAPolls2022) May 4, 2022
“The power of President Trump’s endorsement is undeniable, his dominance over the Republican powerbrokers in D.C. cannot be overstated, and the promise of this MAGA Movement will not just define the Midterms, but it will win for years to come.” Trump spokesman Taylor Budowich said of J.D Vance’s victory.
Trump endorsed J.R Majewski, also won his primary in Ohio’s newly created 9th Congressional District, and will go on to face Marcy Kaptur (D-Oh.) Kaptur is the definition of a swamp creature, having served 39 years in Congress and accomplishing almost nothing. Republicans are currently polling ahead in Ohio’s 9th after redistricting.
BREAKING: Trump-Backed J.R. Majewski wins Ohio District 9 Republican Primary pic.twitter.com/pu7oCDfonH
— InteractivePolls (@IAPolls2022) May 4, 2022
In neighboring Indiana, Trump’s endorsements were also successful.
Mike Pence’s brother, Greg Pence, is defending his seat in Indiana’s 6th Congressional District. After receiving Trump’s endorsement, he easily warded off his primary challenger, winning by a nearly 50% margin.
In Indiana’s First Congressional District, pro-trump Jennifer-Ruth Green won by an overwhelming margin against her opponent who refused to support President Trump in 2016.
All around, last night cemented President Trump’s influence in the Republican Party.
“What we saw in Texas earlier this year was confirmed yet again tonight: President Trump’s endorsement is the most important endorsement in politics. His endorsed candidates are a combined 55-0 in 2022 primaries, a continuation of the historic endorsement streak of success that started during his time at The White House.” Said former White House Political Director Jack Brian.