Former President Donald Trump has endorsed businessman Blake Masters in his bid to represent Arizona in the United States Senate.
“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!”
President Donald J. Trump: "Endorsement of Blake Masters" #AZSen pic.twitter.com/tPxr0FSnXV
— Brian Anderson (@AZBrianAnderson) June 2, 2022
Whoever wins the Republican primary will face the incumbent Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly, who has been in office since 2020 and is considered one of the most vulnerable Democrats in this midterm election cycle. As of March 31, Kelly has a $39 million war chest, with Republican challengers also drumming up millions, according to Cronkite News. The outlet reported that Masters raised $3.8 million with $2.3 million cash on hand at the time of the last quarterly report, but noted that billionaire Peter Thiel chipped in $10 million to the Saving Arizona PAC, which 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.”
— 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. However, Trump has not had as much success with statewide races, with seven candidates of his winning, but six of them losing, Axios reported.
While the president’s endorsement serves as a fundraising draw and green light to many Republican voters, the effectiveness is still hotly debated. In terms of the Arizona Senate race, it could help Masters stick out from the rest of the field, as the polling has been limited and only seems to convey mixed messages.
Due to the unpopularity of President Joe Biden and Democrats, the tide seems to be in favor of Republicans in November, so expect all hands on deck for 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.
Join the conversation as a VIP Member