- Trump endorsed Max Miller, one of the main opponents competing against Rep. Anthony Gonzalez of Ohio.
- Gonzalez is one of 10 House Republicans who voted to impeach Trump last month.
- Trump indicated that he would have an active role in the election campaign during the 2022 elections.
- Visit the Insider Business section for more stories.
Donald Trump endorsed former aide Max Miller in his main challenge against one of 10 House Republicans who voted to impeach the former president last month.
Miller announced on Friday that he was launching a campaign against Congressman Anthony Gonzalez of Ohio, a second-term congressman and former professional footballer who has been a vocal opponent of Trump since the January 6 uprising and voted for his own. impeachment last month.
“Current deputy Anthony Gonzalez should not represent the people of the 16th District because it does not represent their interests or their hearts,” Trump said in a statement released on Friday afternoon, according to Politico. “Max Miller has my full and complete endorsement!”
Miller, who played a key role in Trump’s 2016 and 2020 election campaigns, had not previously run for office. Politico reported last week that he bought a house in the Ohio district to challenge Gonzalez.
—Max Miller (@MaxLMiller) February 26, 2021
“Max Miller is a wonderful person who has done a great job at the White House and will be a fantastic congressman,” Trump continued in his statement, according to CNN. “He is a veteran of the Navy, son of Ohio and a true PATRIOT.”
The endorsement is a first sign of the former president’s plans to play an active role in the election campaign during the 2022 mid-term elections – something he had previously indicated.
“Where necessary and appropriate, I will support the main rivals who advocate Making America Great Again and our America First policy,” Trump said in a statement earlier this month, according to Fox News. “We want brilliant, strong, caring and compassionate leadership.”
Gonzalez, who easily won re-election in November after winning the district in 2018, sparked outrage after becoming one of 10 House Republicans who voted for Trump’s impeachment in January.
But the deputy continued to defend his vote, telling reporters last month that he is willing to lose his seat because of the decision, according to CNN.
After the January 6 Capitol riots that resulted in the deaths of five people, Gonzales said of Trump: “He did not regret seeing his uncompromisingly loyal vice president or Congress under attack from the mob he inspired. In fact, it seems he was happy with that or at least liked the scenes that were horrifying for most Americans across the country, “reported CNN.
Gonzalez is not the only Republican that Trump can aim for before the 2022 mid-term elections.
Trump is eyeing Congresswoman Liz Cheney of Wyoming, who also voted to impeach the former president and Republican Georgia governor Brian Kemp, whom Trump blamed for not doing enough to contest his electoral defeat in the state.