Trump Is the GOP's De-Facto Leader — and Biggest Election Risk
- Former president backs candidates who may not win statewide
- Candidates must have loyalty to him and believe he won 2020
Former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a rally in Commerce, Georgia on March 26.
Photographer: Megan Varner/Getty ImagesThis article is for subscribers only.
Donald Trump’s endorsement of talk-show host Mehmet Oz in Pennsylvania’s Republican Senate primary has deepened GOP angst over whether the former president’s picks can win a statewide general election.
Republicans aiming for a rout come November are anxious that Trump is backing candidates who appeal only to party faithful. The fear is that in a general election, when the candidates must compete for moderates and independent voters, a seal of approval by Trump will be a negative.