Trump’s Endorsement Strategy in Texas and Florida Primaries

President Donald Trump’s influence in the 2026 primary season proves substantial, with a notable winning streak across various contests. According to a report by Fox News’ Madeleine Rivera, Trump-backed candidates, including Ken Paxton in the Texas Senate primary runoff, are experiencing considerable success. This pattern indicates Trump’s ongoing control over the GOP.

In Florida, media executive Jim Schwartzel clinched the GOP nomination to replace Rep. Byron Donalds. Interestingly, Schwartzel achieved this despite President Trump endorsing his rival, Catalina Lauf, just days before the election in Florida’s 19th Congressional District. Lauf, who worked in the Department of Commerce during Trump’s first term, upended the race by receiving Trump’s support on August 13.

The results from Tuesday’s vote challenge the trend of Trump-endorsed candidates consistently winning primary elections. Remarkably, as of mid-July, a report from Ballotpedia highlighted a 97% success rate for Trump-endorsed candidates in their primaries, maintaining a rate of 93% or higher since 2018.

Despite Trump’s endorsement of Darline Graham for a Senate seat, GOP Senate contenders remain undeterred in their campaigns. The primary race to succeed Byron Donalds featured unique personalities, such as former Rep. Madison Cawthorn, former Rep. Chris Collins, and former Illinois state senator Jim Oberweis.

National media have described this election as distinctive, with Axios labeling it “the GOP’s carpetbagger primary.” They noted that the winner of this chaotic primary is “almost guaranteed a ticket to Washington.” Schwartzel critiqued Lauf for relocating to Florida to run for Congress, claiming his connections to the state surpassed hers. Lauf countered, calling herself a “blue state refugee” rather than a “carpetbagger,” stating she chose to reside in Florida.

On the campaign trail, Lauf accused Schwartzel of orchestrating the dismissal of a popular local meteorologist. Schwartzel denied involvement, clarifying he owns numerous local media outlets but not the network that terminated the meteorologist.

Following Trump’s endorsement of Lauf, Schwartzel addressed his supporters, attributing responsibility for Trump’s decision to external factors. He stressed that his criticism is directed not at Trump, whom he continues to support, but at out-of-state super PACs and Washington consultants who have invested heavily in Florida’s 19th Congressional District race, promoting Lauf as Florida’s ideal candidate despite her previous congressional bids in Illinois.

Schwartzel urged clarity regarding the origins of any frustration, emphasizing that the determination of the local seat should not be influenced by outsiders.