Donald Trump Makes Major Endorsement in Competitive Arizona Senate Race – Opinion

Donald Trump’s former president has publicly backed Blake Masters, a businessman who is running for the United States Senate seat in Arizona.

“Despite having such an amazing business career and wonderful family, Blake has decided that he wants to make a difference for the people of our Country, and is therefore running for the United States Senate from the Great State of Arizona,” Trump said in a statement.

Trump cited border security and Masters’ view on the 2020 election as reasons for giving his personal stamp of approval. He even directly criticized Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich, who’s also running, referring to him as a “disappointment.”

“It is my great honor to give Blake Masters my Complete and Total Endorsement!”

Donald J. Trump declares his support for Blake Masters #AZSen pic.twitter.com/tPxr0FSnXV

— Brian Anderson (@AZBrianAnderson) June 2, 2022

The Republican candidate for the Republican Primary will be facing the incumbent Democratic Senator Mark Kelly. Kelly has served in the Senate since 2020. He is one of the most fragile Democrats this election cycle. Cronkite News reports that Kelly’s war chest has grown to $39million as of March 31st. Republican challengers are also raising millions. The publication reported Masters raising $3.8 million, with $2.3 Million cash available at the time. It also mentioned that Peter Thiel contributed $10,000,000 to the Saving Arizona PAC that backs Masters.

“It’s incredible to have this endorsement- I wish everyone could know how this feels,” Masters said, according to a press release. “Soon we will have a young, fearless, dynamic America First coalition in the U.S. Senate. And that is thanks to Donald Trump.”

🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/M7vau30Y0N

— Amalia C. Halikias (@AmaliaHalikias) June 2, 2022

According to Axios’ Trump endorsement tracker, 19 candidates in “competitive” races endorsed by the former president have won their primaries, with eight losing so far. He’s made eight endorsements so far (including the one for Masters), and Axios notes that all four that have already had elections won. Axios reports that Trump is not as successful in statewide races. He has seven winners and six losers.

While the president’s endorsement serves as a fundraising draw and green light to many Republican voters, the effectiveness is still hotly debated. Masters’ chances of standing out in Arizona’s Senate race could be helped by the endorsement. However, the polling seems limited and conveys mixed messages.

The unpopularity and inability of President Joe Biden to win over Democrats has made it seem that the Republicans are the favorite in November. All hands will be on the deck to help in the general election. Arizona will be flooded with a barrage of campaign advertisements from both parties, as the state’s suburban voters could end up deciding who will win control of the Senate.