Donald Trump is preparing to launch a new round of 2022 endorsements starting this week, say people familiar with his thinking Axios.
Why it matters: The former president’s approval could clear the field in competitive Republican primary. Depending on how vindictive he feels and how many challengers he faces for the same party, they could also bump into the party foundation.
The whole picture: Previous presidents usually stopped before entering domestic politics. Less than two months after leaving office, Trump has endorsed more than a dozen Republicans – a sign of his determination to maintain control of the GOP.
Behind the scenes: These are not just aspiring candidates. Seated members of the GOP House and senators are appealing to him in Mar-a-Lago.
- Trump plans to Sen. To endorse Rand Paul (R-Ky.), According to a source familiar with Trump’s thinking.
- It will come as no surprise – Paul is a friend, golfer and prominent cable news defender of Trump – but the timing will be remarkable as Trump sits on other requests from incumbents.
- Even members who are seen as a largely safe re-election seek Trump’s earlier approval to ward off serious primary challengers – call it the Thom Tillis road.
- Sens. Todd Young (R-Ind.) And James Lankford (R-Okla.) Recently reached out to Trump for his support. Their requests remain “under consideration”, says a source familiar with the situation.
- Spokesmen for Young and Lankford did not respond to a request for comment.
Between the lines: Trump has, since leaving office, endorsed a number of incumbents he knows well, including Sense. Jerry Moran of Kansas, Tim Scott of South Carolina and John Kennedy of Louisiana, as well as the Government of South Carolina, Henry McMaster.
- He also endorses the chairmen of national and state parties and effectively destroys all competitors.
- He assured that Ronna Romney McDaniel would be elected to a third term as chair of the Republican National Committee.
- He also endorsed allies in major swing states – Kelli Ward as state party chairman in Arizona and Bob Paduchik in Ohio. Both won.
The plot: Trump endorsed his former press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders in the race for the governor of Arkansas, and lieutenant government Tim Griffin in his bid to have attorney general of Arkansas.
- Trump is also considering a possible endorsement in Georgia’s secretary of state, according to a source familiar with the matter. The incumbent Brad Raffensperger deserves his enmity instead of his endorsement with his backlash against criticism of the state’s election behavior.
What we are looking at: Trump wants to remove every Republican official who has voted to accuse or convict him.
- There is one senator in the category who wants to run for re-election in 2022 – Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska – and Trump is defeating her.
- The state Republican Party has already voiced Murkowski and pledged to run a candidate against her.
- The only primary challenger to the 2022 congress Trump has endorsed so far is a former White House assistant, Max Miller, against Rep. Anthony Gonzalez of Ohio. He voted to accuse Trump.
A long-standing question is how Trump will approach open Senate seats.
- Aspirant candidates aggressively sued the former president.
- These include Trump’s former ambassador to Slovenia, Lynda Blanchard, in Alabama.
- She recently hosted a fundraiser at Mar-a-Lago.
The conclusion: Even after January 6, many prominent Republicans want Trump’s support because they believe it will ensure their political survival.
- Among the dozens who have called or visited Mar-a-Lago since leaving the White House, according to a source familiar with the interactions: House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, House Minority Whip Steve Scalise and more than two dozen senators, including Senator Rick Scott of Florida, who chairs the National Republican Senatorial Committee.
- Sen. Lindsey Graham (RS.C.) drove back and forth, and Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) recently held a fundraiser at Trump’s private club.
- The former president is head of the upcoming shelter for RNC donors, part of which has been relocated to Mar-a-Lago.
- Trump’s Save America PAC has already banked more than $ 80 million, a war chest that GOP leaders are closely monitoring and in some cases cautious.
Yes, but: The notable exception is Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. He last spoke to Trump in December and, following his criticism of the former president for the January 6 siege, he may never speak to him again.