President Donald Trump’s endorsement holds significant value within the Republican Party. During the 2026 election cycle, many of his preferred candidates have triumphed in GOP primaries. Despite this success, there have been notable losses that illustrate the limitations of his influence.
Losses Among Trump-Endorsed Candidates
Representative Andy Ogles of Tennessee was one of the few Trump-backed candidates to lose in the Republican primary for the newly drawn 5th Congressional District. Despite Trump’s support, Ogles was defeated by former Tennessee Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, who had the backing of Governor Bill Lee.
In Michigan, Amir Hassan, another Trump-endorsed candidate, lost the Republican primary for the 8th District to Thomas J. Smith. Smith suspended his campaign shortly before the election but still won with 50.4% of the vote. Hassan received 33.2%, marking one of the most surprising losses for a candidate supported by Trump.
Elections Tracker Highlights
During Trump’s first term from 2017 to 2021, Ballotpedia tracked 305 endorsements. In 2026, Trump has made 312 primary endorsements, with a success rate of 97% through early July. However, Ogles’ loss joins a group of setbacks for the former president’s endorsed candidates this year.
Notable High-Profile Defeats
Phil Berger, a prominent North Carolina Senate leader, was one of the first to suffer a high-profile defeat. He lost to Sheriff Sam Page in the primary for the state’s 26th Senate District.
Burt Jones, Georgia’s Lieutenant Governor, lost in the Republican gubernatorial runoff. This loss was significant as it tested Trump’s influence in the battleground state.
Brenda Wilson, a Vigo County Council member from Indiana, and her fellow Republican Bruce Borders, both failed to secure nominations. These losses were early setbacks for Trump’s endorsed candidates.
Remarkable Statewide Losses
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller’s primary defeat was noteworthy. He was one of the few incumbent statewide officials endorsed by Trump who failed to secure renomination. Miller has held his position since 2015.
Representative Randy Feenstra from Iowa lost in the state’s GOP gubernatorial primary. This contest captured attention as a test of varying Republican factions.
Pamela Evette, South Carolina’s Lieutenant Governor, experienced a narrow primary victory but lost in the runoff, obtaining 31.4% of the vote against Attorney General Alan Wilson’s 68.6%. Trump initially endorsed her but later issued a dual endorsement, including Wilson.
Notable Congressional Loss
Jon Maples, who contested to represent District 87 in the Florida House of Representatives, also faced losses. Although he won the primary with a significant margin, he narrowly lost the general election to Democrat Emily Gregory. Maples is planning to run again, with the Republican primary scheduled on August 18.
Trump’s Endorsement Impact
Despite these losses, Trump’s endorsement record remains robust. His backing has helped numerous candidates achieve victory across various offices. However, instances like Ogles’ defeat highlight that his endorsement does not guarantee a nomination win, reminding the party of the endorsement’s influence limitations.