Donald Trump is preparing to make a new round of endorsements for 2022 starting this week, people familiar with his thinking told Axios.
Why does it matter: The ex-president’s endorsement could pave the way for competitive Republican primaries. Depending on how vindictive he is feeling, and how many opponents to the members of the same party he supports, they can also hinder the establishment of the party.
The big picture: Previous presidents used to pause before entering domestic politics. Less than two months after stepping down, Trump endorsed more than a dozen Republicans – a sign of his determination to maintain control of the Republican Party.
Behind the scenes: It is not just about aspiring candidates. Members and senators of the Republican Party Chamber are visiting him in Mar-a-Lago.
- Trump plans to endorse Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.) Soon, according to a source familiar with Trump’s thinking.
- An endorsement would come as no surprise – Paul is a friend, golf friend and prominent cable news advocate for Trump – but the timing would be noteworthy, since Trump is responding to other requests from competitors.
- Even members who are facing secure reelections are calling for Trump’s initial endorsement to ward off serious primary opponents – call it the Thom Tillis path.
- Sens. Todd Young (R-Ind.) And James Lankford (R-Okla.) Recently contacted Trump to ask for his support. His requests remain “under consideration,” said a source familiar with the situation.
- Young and Lankford’s spokesmen did not respond to a request for comment.
Between the lines: Since leaving office, Trump has endorsed some incumbents he knows well, including Sens. Jerry Moran of Kansas, Tim Scott of South Carolina and John Kennedy of Louisiana, as well as South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster.
- He is also endorsing presidents of national and state parties, effectively eliminating any rivals.
- He secured the re-election of Ronna Romney McDaniel for a third term as chairman of the Republican National Committee.
- He also supported allies in key states – Kelli Ward for state party president in Arizona and Bob Paduchik in Ohio. Both won.
The intrigue: Trump endorsed his former press secretary, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, in the race for Arkansas governor, and Lieutenant Governor Tim Griffin in his candidacy for Arkansas attorney general.
- Trump is also considering a potential endorsement in the Georgia Secretary of State dispute, according to a source familiar with the matter. Incumbent Brad Raffensperger won his enmity instead of endorsement with his reaction to criticism of the state’s electoral conduct.
What we’re watching: Trump wants to remove all Republican office holders who voted for impeachment or sentencing.
- There is a senator in that category who is running for re-election in 2022 – Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska – and Trump is determined to defeat her.
- The state Republican Party has already censored Murkowski and has pledged to run a candidate against her.
- The only candidate for Congressional primaries in 2022 that Trump has endorsed so far is a former White House adviser, Max Miller, against Congressman Anthony Gonzalez of Ohio. He voted for Trump’s impeachment.
A persistent issue is how Trump will address Senate openings.
- Aspiring candidates have been aggressively courting the former president.
- They include former Trump ambassador to Slovenia, Lynda Blanchard, who is competing in Alabama.
- She recently organized a fundraiser in Mar-a-Lago.
The end result: 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 he left the White House, according to a source familiar with these interactions: Minority leader in the House, Kevin McCarthy, Minority Mayor, Steve Scalise and more than two dozen senators, including Senator Rick Scott of Florida, who is chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee.
- Senator Lindsey Graham (RS.C.) has been pacing around, and Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) recently conducted a fundraiser at Trump’s private club.
- The former president is the headliner of the next RNC donor retreat, part of which has been transferred to Mar-a-Lago.
- Trump’s Save America PAC has amassed more than $ 80 million, a war chest that Republican Party leaders are watching closely and, in some cases, with caution.
Yes but: The notable exception is Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell. He last spoke to Trump in December, and after his criticism of the former president for the January 6 siege of the Capitol, he may never speak to him again.