UMVA has learned that President Donald Trump's immense influence over the GOP will face a critical test on Tuesday, as high-stakes Republican runoffs take place in Georgia and Alabama.
Trump-endorsed candidates are vying for the GOP gubernatorial and Senate nominations in battleground Georgia, and for the Senate seat in solidly red Alabama. These contests come as Oklahoma and the District of Columbia hold primary elections, and voters in California's 14th Congressional District will narrow the field of candidates hoping to fill a vacant seat.
The spotlight is on Georgia, where Trump made a last-minute endorsement in the Senate race, backing Republican Rep. Mike Collins, a strong supporter of the president. Collins is facing off against former college football coach Derek Dooley, who has the support of popular conservative Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp.
Collins told Fox News Digital that Trump's endorsement shows the president has confidence in his ability to win the race. Dooley, running as an outsider, said the president's backing of his rival doesn't change his approach, emphasizing that he's fighting for the people of Georgia.
In Georgia's gubernatorial nomination runoff, Trump-backed Lt. Gov. Burt Jones is battling billionaire businessman Rick Jackson. The winner will take on former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms in the general election.
Jones pointed to a tele-rally Trump headlined for him, saying the president's endorsement carries significant weight in Georgia. Kemp also endorsed Jones, citing his suitability to move the state forward.
In neighboring Alabama, Trump is supporting Rep. Barry Moore, who is facing off with former Navy SEAL sniper Jared Hudson in the GOP Senate runoff. The winner will succeed Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville, who is running for governor.
Moore, an ultra-conservative, is endorsed by Vice President JD Vance and Senate Majority Leader Sen. John Thune. Hudson, running as an outsider, has been endorsed by conservative activists and lawmakers.
These contests come as Trump's endorsement power has been on display in GOP primaries, with his candidates ousting incumbents in several showdowns. However, his endorsement streak was recently snapped in Iowa, where his backed candidate lost to a businessman and former political strategist.
Despite this, Trump rebounded in South Carolina, where his endorsed candidate, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, won a crowded field and clinched a spot in the nomination race.
