A last-minute shakeup in a competitive congressional primary to replace incumbent Arizona Republican Rep. Debbie Lesko could impact Tuesday’s results.
Trump endorsed both Blake Masters and Abe Hamadeh in a post on Truth Social late Saturday night, even though the Republican had initially only supported Hamadeh, the Arizona Republic reported.
“We have a very important Republican primary election on Tuesday for Arizona’s 8th Congressional District, with two spectacular America First candidates,” the former president posted.
“Blake Masters is a very successful businessman and a strong supporter of our movement to Make America Great Again. He is smart and tough! Likewise, Abe Hamadeh, a veteran, former prosecutor, and courageous fighter for election integrity, has supported me every step of the way!” he continued.
“In Congress, we need a true warrior who will work tirelessly with us to grow our economy, stop inflation, secure our border, end migrant crime, support our great military and veterans, and protect our embattled Second Amendment… THEY WILL NOT DISAPPOINT!” Trump added.
Masters was the Senate candidate and Hamadeh was the attorney general candidate in the 2022 Republican primary, but the two parted ways over disagreements over the election outcome.
Masters conceded his victory to Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, while Hamadeh challenged the results in court, as did Kari Lake, a candidate for governor and senator. Masters lost by about 125,000 votes, but Hamadeh lost by 280 votes.
The endorsement appears to close the gap between Trump and his vice presidential pick, Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, who backed Masters in the race for the safely Republican congressional district.
Arizona House Speaker Ben Toma, former Congressman Trent Franks, state Sen. Anthony Kern and Patrick Briody are also running for the seat.
New York Post
