GOP primaries reinforce Trump’s influence as endorsed candidates win across multiple states

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump-backed candidates secured key victories and advanced in several Republican primary contests on Tuesday, May 19, reinforcing the president’s influence over GOP races ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

The most closely watched race unfolded in Kentucky, where Trump-backed candidate Ed Gallrein defeated Rep Thomas Massie in a competitive Republican primary. In Georgia, Lt Governor Burt Jones advanced to a gubernatorial runoff after receiving Trump’s endorsement, while in Alabama, Rep Barry Moore moved forward in the Republican Senate race.

Trump-backed Ed Gallrein defeats Massie in Kentucky

In Kentucky, Ed Gallrein defeated incumbent Republican congressman Thomas Massie in one of the night’s most closely watched primary contests. Massie had faced months of criticism from Trump and his allies over disagreements on fiscal policy, foreign affairs and other issues. Trump publicly endorsed Gallrein, and outside groups aligned with the president invested heavily in the race.

Gallrein won 54 per cent of the Republican primary vote, ending Massie’s congressional career after years as one of the few Republicans in Washington willing to publicly diverge from Trump on policy matters.

Prior to the primary, Trump criticized Massie for sharing what he described as an old endorsement, writing that Massie “wasn’t endorsed” by him and that he had “proudly endorsed Ed Gallrein.” Trump also called Massie “the Worst Congressman in the Republican Party” and accused him of trying to mislead voters ahead of the primary contest.

Burt Jones advances in Georgia governor’s race

In Georgia, Trump-backed Lt Governor Burt Jones advanced to a runoff in the Republican gubernatorial primary after no candidate secured a majority of the vote. Jones will face businessman Rick Jackson in the runoff after both candidates emerged ahead of the rest of the field in Tuesday’s voting. Jackson had promoted himself as an ally of Trump during the campaign, but Trump publicly clarified that his endorsement was for Jones.

“There’s a lot of confusion. Everyone’s saying I endorsed them. I didn’t. I endorsed a man named Burt Jones, your lieutenant governor,” Trump said earlier this month. “Vote for Burt Jones. He’s just an incredible guy who has my complete and total endorsement in the race.”

Barry Moore advances in Alabama Senate race

In Alabama, Republican Rep Barry Moore advanced in the GOP Senate primary following Trump’s endorsement in the open-seat contest. In a post on X ahead of Alabama’s Republican Senate primary, Trump announced his “complete and total endorsement,” to Moore, describing him as an “America First Patriot” and longtime ally.

Trump praised Moore’s record on issues including border security, energy policy and tax cuts, while urging Alabama Republicans to “GET OUT AND VOTE FOR BARRY.”

Tuesday’s primaries highlight Trump’s continued GOP influence

The outcomes in Kentucky, Georgia and Alabama added to a growing list of Republican primary races this cycle where candidates endorsed by Trump advanced over rivals, including in contests involving critics of the president or closely watched open seats ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.