Trump's Endorsements Shine as GOP Nominees Win Key Races

President Donald Trump fired off a post to social media right before the new round of Republican primary elections. He insisted his endorsements are stronger than ever and claimed nothing has come close. The numbers appear to back up his claims. Despite some setbacks, he remains the ultimate kingmaker in these GOP nomination showdowns.

According to a Fox News Trump Primary Endorsement Tracker, the president is perfect so far this cycle in Senate primaries. All 24 of his endorsed candidates have won their contests. In House races, his record is nearly flawless with 214 out of 218 endorsed candidates winning. Gubernatorial showdowns tell a different story though. Trump-backed candidates suffered some high-profile defeats there but overall 16 of the 21 contenders he supported captured the party's nomination.

This week, Trump-backed candidates scored statewide victories in two very competitive contests. Trump-endorsed Sen. Darline Graham of South Carolina edged conservative Rep. Ralph Norman in a runoff to win the GOP Senate nomination for November's election. She will face the Democratic nominee in November for the final months of her late brother's Senate term. In Oklahoma, former state budget secretary and former state Sen. Mike Mazzei captured the GOP gubernatorial nomination by just 2,000 votes over rival Gentner Drummond.

"I supported and ENDORSED two so-called 'underdogs' yesterday, one from South Carolina, and the other from Oklahoma, and they BOTH WON," the president posted on social media Wednesday following Tuesday's primaries. He pulled out all the stops to help push Graham after her stumble over international affairs during a debate last week grabbed national attention. Trump headlined a rally for her on Friday in Myrtle Beach where he pledged federal funding for a long proposed new interstate highway in South Carolina. He also held a tele-rally for her on the eve of the primary. MAGA Inc, the top Trump-aligned super PAC, dished out nearly $900,000 to support Graham's campaign.

But the Trump endorsement hasn't proven to be a sure bet this cycle in South Carolina. Trump backed Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette for the GOP gubernatorial nomination ahead of the state's early June primary. Evette was the top vote-getter in the primary but lost the ensuing runoff election against South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson in a landslide. And Trump endorsed Wilson in addition to Evette days before the runoff.

It is undeniable that Trump has dramatically reshaped the GOP since his first White House victory a decade ago. The populist MAGA and America First wings have gained prominence over more traditional fiscal and social conservatives. His grip on party politics remains extremely firm. But he has had some setbacks with five of his gubernatorial picks in Republican primaries this year going down to defeat. Besides South Carolina's Evette, that list includes Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and Rep. Randy Feenstra of Iowa who lost nominating contests this spring. Two weeks ago, Wyoming Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder and Minnesota businessman Mike Lindell also fell short.

Andy Ogles from Tennessee and Cory Mills of Florida found themselves at odds. The latter is currently mired in multiple controversies. For the full story on these developments, download the Fox News App right now.

"The Republican Party is Trump's party," veteran GOP strategist Ryan Williams told Fox News Digital regarding the weight of an endorsement. "There's no question that support from the president provides a tremendous boost in a Republican primary." He added one important caveat though: backing does not guarantee victory.

Williams said the leader still holds a firm grip on the organization, even when a candidate he backs loses their nomination. But underlying issues can trip anyone up. Those problems are tough enough that they might defeat an endorsement on its own.