Although President Donald Trump’s overall job-approval numbers have been sliding, the Republican base remains deeply devoted to him, and no message cuts through in GOP primaries quite like commitments of loyalty to Trump and his policy agenda, spurring congressional hopefuls to align themselves with him as closely as they can.
Indeed, gaining Trump’s endorsement continues to be the most powerful message in Republican primaries, a data-informed approach underscored by standout results in several GOP nomination battles earlier this month: In Indiana, a slate of Trump-backed candidates toppled incumbent state senators amid an intra-party fight over redistricting; in Kentucky, Representative Andy Barr shot to the lead in a three-way race the moment Trump gave his full-throated backing; and in Louisiana, Senator Bill Cassidy failed to secure renomination after the president endorsed a challenger.
