President Donald Trump has issued a wave of endorsements across dozens of Republican primaries, backing candidates in races spanning multiple states as the 2026 election cycle gathers pace.
Key Points
- On Monday, Trump posted endorsements on his Truth Social platform for more than 20 Republican candidates across Senate, House and gubernatorial races
- Many posts urge voters to “GET OUT AND VOTE” and state “Election Day is Tuesday, June 2”
- Not all of the races listed by Trump are actually scheduled for June 2, with some taking place later in the primary calendar
- The endorsements include a mix of incumbents seeking re-election and candidates running in open-seat contests
- The California governor race drew some of Trump’s most pointed language in his posts
The endorsements span battleground congressional districts, open-seat Senate races and several high-profile statewide campaigns, as the president seeks to shape GOP primaries nationwide.
Trump’s backing remains one of the most influential signals in Republican primaries and can shape crowded races.
Candidates across several states—including California and Florida—could see shifts in momentum as Trump signals his preferred picks.
Among the most notable is Iowa, where Representative Ashley Hinson—running for an open U.S. Senate seat—is widely seen as a Republican front-runner in a competitive primary.
In his post, Trump said Hinson “is a WINNER” who “will be an outstanding Senator,” giving her his “Complete and Total Endorsement.”
Why It Matters
Trump has already issued hundreds of endorsements in the 2026 cycle, underscoring his influence over Republican primary contests nationwide. His backing is often seen as a key advantage, particularly in crowded primaries or open-seat races where the field is still consolidating.
California Governor Race Draws Sharpest Rhetoric
One of the most striking endorsements came in California’s governor’s race, where Trump backed former Fox News host Steve Hilton and used some of his strongest language against Democrats.
“I have known and respected Steve Hilton… He is a truly fine man, one who has watched as this once great State has gone to Hell,” Trump wrote.
He went on to say Hilton could “turn it around, before it is too late,” adding: “Steve Hilton has my COMPLETE AND TOTAL ENDORSEMENT… He will be a GREAT Governor… and WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!!!”
The endorsement could play a role in shaping a crowded primary, where Republicans are competing to make the top-two ballot under California’s open system.
Broad Slate Reflects Familiar Campaign Themes
Across the posts, Trump repeatedly returned to core campaign themes including border security, tax cuts, energy production and support for the military.
In New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District, he criticised “Radical Left Democrat” Representative Gabe Vasquez while backing Republican Greg Cunningham, accusing Vasquez of supporting “dangerous ‘Soft on Crime’ Policies.”
Other endorsements were more straightforward, particularly those backing incumbents such as New Jersey Representative Jeff Van Drew and California Representative Tom McClintock, both praised for advancing Trump’s “America First Agenda.”
Trump also endorsed New Jersey Representative Tom Kean Jr. in the state’s 7th Congressional District primary, where he is running unopposed despite a months-long absence from Washington over a “personal medical issue.”
Many of the posts also included identical language urging supporters to vote on “Tuesday, June 2,” even though the candidates listed are not all on the same primary date.
For example, Florida Representative Brian Mast—also endorsed by Trump—is scheduled to face voters later in the cycle, with his Republican primary set for August 18, 2026, according to Ballotpedia.
That mismatch highlights how Trump’s posts function more as broad campaign messaging than a precise reflection of individual state election calendars.
Full List of Trump Endorsements Posted Monday
- Ashley Hinson — Iowa U.S. Senate
- Marty Jackley — South Dakota U.S. House
- Mike Rounds — South Dakota U.S. Senate
- Greg Cunningham — New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District
- Tom Kean — New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District
- Chris Smith — New Jersey’s 4th Congressional District
- Jeff Van Drew — New Jersey’s 2nd Congressional District
- Troy Downing — Montana’s 2nd Congressional District
- Aaron Flint — Montana’s 1st Congressional District
- Kurt Alme — Montana U.S. Senate
- Chris McGowan — Iowa’s 4th Congressional District
- Zach Nunn — Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District
- Joe Mitchell — Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District
- Mariannette Miller-Meeks — Iowa’s 1st Congressional District
- Randy Feenstra — Governor of Iowa
- Jim Desmond — California’s 48th Congressional District
- Jay Obernolte — California’s 23rd Congressional District
- Vince Fong — California’s 20th Congressional District
- Kevin Lincoln — California’s 13th Congressional District
- Tom McClintock — California’s 5th Congressional District
- James Gallagher — California’s 1st Congressional District
- Steve Hilton — Governor of California
- Brian Mast — Florida’s 21st Congressional District
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