The Trump Effect: A Midterm Primary Power Play
The 2026 US midterm primaries are in full swing, and the question on everyone's mind is: How much influence does Donald Trump still hold over the Republican Party? The answer, it seems, is more than we might have thought, but not as much as he'd like.
The Trump-Backed Candidates
Trump's endorsement has been a powerful tool in Republican primaries this year, and his candidates are doing well so far. In Alabama, Trump-backed Barry Moore is in a runoff for the Senate, and in Oklahoma, his pick, Kevin Hern, is leading the way for the Senate seat. However, the real test of Trump's influence may come in the race to succeed outgoing Governor Kevin Stitt.
Georgia: A State in Flux
Georgia is where the rubber hits the road. In the Republican primary for governor, Trump-backed Burt Jones is trailing the self-funded healthcare billionaire, Rick Jackson, by nearly 20 points. This is a significant challenge for Trump, as Jackson has spent over $100 million on his campaign, blanketing the state with ads. Meanwhile, in the Senate race, Trump-endorsed Mike Collins is in a tight race with former football coach Derek Dooley, with the current margin less than 6,000 votes.
The Power of Self-Funding
What makes this particularly fascinating is the contrast between Trump-backed candidates and self-funded rivals. While Trump's candidates are doing well, they are facing tough competition from wealthy, independent candidates like Jackson. This raises a deeper question: How much influence does Trump really have, and how much is the Republican base still loyal to him?
The Trump Administration's Voting Rights War
In a separate but related development, the Trump administration is waging a war on voting rights. Using the Justice Department, FBI investigations, and an executive order to limit voting by mail, the administration is mirroring Trump's false claims of election fraud. This move can intimidate election workers and voters in swing states, and it raises concerns about the integrity of the upcoming midterms.
The Takeaway
As the night unfolds, we'll see how these races play out. But one thing is clear: Donald Trump's influence over the Republican Party is not as absolute as he might like. The self-funded candidates and the changing political landscape in Georgia are a reminder that the Republican base is not as monolithic as Trump would have us believe. The midterms will be a true test of Trump's power, and the results will have significant implications for the future of the Republican Party.
